Expressing support for renaming the New York strip steak as the Texas strip steak and directing the Texas Department of Agriculture to promote the Texas strip steak as part of efforts to support Texas beef and agricultural products.

89(R) SCR 46 - House Committee Report version - Bill Text

By: Sparks

S.C.R. No. 46

(King)

SENATE 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.