HJ0109 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0109 LRB096 21426 RLC 37798 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes the nationwide seriousness of drug abuse and violence by our nation's and our State's youth, and the urgent need to use and to expand school-based prevention education programs throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, The day-to-day struggle against alcohol abuse, tobacco, drugs, and violence requires a long-term national, state, and local effort and commitment; and

WHEREAS, Since 1983, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program has taught millions of young people how to recognize and to resist the pressure to be involved in drugs, gangs, and violent activities; and

WHEREAS, The D.A.R.E. Program underscores a nationwide commitment and dedication to help our nation's youth to "just say no" to drugs and to violence; and

WHEREAS, By promoting positive youth development, D.A.R.E. Programs across our nation are helping children and young people make the right choices and build lives of purpose; and

WHEREAS, The D.A.R.E. Program allows law enforcement personnel to enter our nation's classrooms to answer difficult questions about drugs, violence and crime, teaches students how to avoid temptation, and encourages open communication between young people and local law enforcement officers; and

WHEREAS, The D.A.R.E. Program strengthens our local communities and provides our children and young people with a strong foundation and model for success; and

WHEREAS, D.A.R.E. Instructors, along with parents, teachers, health care professionals, and all other interested parties who help our nation's youth grow into responsible, successful adults, are strengthening our country and contributing to a future of hope for everyone; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois recognizes the nationwide seriousness of drug abuse and violence by the youth of our nation and our State, and the urgent need to use and to expand school-based prevention education programs throughout the nation; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' D.A.R.E. Program shows a commitment by the State to never cease in its duties to fight the war on drugs and violence; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we recognize October 15th, 2010, and every October 15 thereafter, as D.A.R.E. Day in the State of Illinois, and encourage all citizens to support and partake in their local D.A.R.E. programs.