89R17547 JH-F     By: Sparks S.C.R. No. 46       CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, The cattle industry has long been a cornerstone of   Texas' agricultural economy, contributing billions of dollars   annually, providing thousands of jobs, and sustaining the state's   vibrant ranching culture; and          WHEREAS, Steak products, particularly prime cuts like the   strip steak, stand as one of the most prominent foods associated   with Texas, a status that reflects the importance of beef   production to the state's history and development; and          WHEREAS, During the late 19th century, rapidly growing urban   centers in the northern and western United States significantly   increased the demand for beef, spurring the era of cattle drives;   Texas ranchers, seeking profitable markets, organized   long-distance drives to transport cattle to railheads and   facilitate the shipment of beef to meet the nation's needs; and          WHEREAS, Today, Texas is the leading producer of beef in the   United States with over 12.2 million head of cattle, more than   double the number in the second-ranking state; the beef industry is   vital to the state's economy, with cattle production accounting for   a significant portion of agricultural output and bringing in   millions of dollars in agricultural export revenue each year; and          WHEREAS, Texas is the birthplace of many iconic culinary   traditions, including those tied to cattle drives, chuck wagons,   and steak houses, all of which have cemented steak as an integral   part of the state's culture and cuisine; the food service industry   is the largest private employer in the state, providing over 1.46   million jobs, including many in steak houses and dining   establishments where high-quality beef remains a central part of   the menu; and          WHEREAS, The New York strip steak is named for New York City,   where it was popularized in local steak houses; however, many of the   strip steaks enjoyed by diners, both historically and in the   present day, came from cattle that were raised on the sprawling   ranches of Texas and should, therefore, be recognized as products   of the Lone Star State; and          WHEREAS, The renaming of the New York strip steak to the Texas   strip steak would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of Texas as the   nation's beef leader, and it would reflect the importance of steak   to the state's identity; now, therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby express support for renaming the New York strip steak as the   Texas strip steak; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas strip steak be recognized as a   symbol of Texas' enduring agricultural heritage, the state's   economic vitality, and the contributions of the ranchers, farmers,   and chefs who have shaped the state's iconic food culture; and, be   it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature encourage all Texans,   restaurants, chefs, and food service establishments to adopt the   name Texas strip steak in honor of the state's beef industry and the   rich culinary history of steak in Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature recognize the central   role of the beef industry in driving economic growth, employment,   and cultural pride in Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas Legislature direct the Texas   Department of Agriculture to promote the Texas strip steak as part   of the state's ongoing efforts to support Texas beef and   agricultural products; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That the Texas secretary of state forward an   official copy of this resolution to the commissioner of the Texas   Department of Agriculture.