[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  IN HONOR OF GOV. RICK PERRY, BORDERFEST TEXAN OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT

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                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, every year since 1977, the City of Hidalgo 
in my district has held BorderFest. This is a four day event 
celebrating the diverse ethnic groups in South Texas. Not only are 
there entertainment, educational and cultural events, but each year a 
recipient is chosen for the prestigious Texan of the Year award.
  Past recipients of the award have included business and community 
leaders, college presidents, and government officials. This year's 
recipient is Texas Governor Rick Perry.
  Governor Perry was recently sworn in as the 47th Governor of the 
State of Texas. He previously served as Lieutenant Governor, Texas 
Commissioner of Agriculture, and a representative to the Texas 
Legislature. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and served in the 
U.S. Air Force.
  As a fifth generation Texan, Governor Perry has devoted his public 
life to serving his fellow Texans. He is committed to public school 
reform, and has pledged to make the Texas higher education system the 
best in the nation. He has also recognized the need to rebuild the 
state's infrastructure and take advantage of new technology. He is 
known for his willingness to work with members from both parties to get 
the job done.
  Rick Perry is well-deserving of this honor, and I commend the 
BorderFest Award committee for its selection of Gov. Perry.

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