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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Texas has the nation's largest rural population, and |
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rural concerns are of enormous importance to the Lone Star State; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Today, 3.2 million Texans, or 16 percent, live in |
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rural areas; of the 254 counties in Texas, 172 are rural, and rural |
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land totals 142 million acres, representing 84 percent of total |
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land area; and |
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WHEREAS, Our state leads the country in the number of farms |
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and ranches, which cover 130.2 million acres, and small rural |
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telephone cooperatives and companies provide service to over half |
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the geographic area; and |
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WHEREAS, Texas has more women and minority farm operations |
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than any other state, and almost a third of the population in rural |
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counties is 65 or older; reflecting the deep patriotism of the |
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countryside, the majority of the nation's military men and women |
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hail from rural backgrounds; and |
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WHEREAS, Such essential products as food, fuel, and fiber are |
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among those originating in rural Texas, but although rural |
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operations contribute billions to the Texas economy, rural families |
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typically earn only 48 percent of what metropolitan workers earn; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, While the rural population may be decreasing, rural |
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people continue to demonstrate resolve and determination, as well |
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as love for family, faith, and country, and the future of this state |
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and nation depends in large part on the vibrancy and prosperity of |
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our rural communities; and |
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WHEREAS, A special legislative day provides a most fitting |
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occasion to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of |
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rural citizens, businesses, and industries; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 3, 2015, as Rural Matters Day |
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in Texas and express its gratitude and appreciation for the myriad |
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contributions of rural Texans. |