PRINTER'S NO. 1796
No. 294 Session of 2004
INTRODUCED BY STACK, LOGAN, KUKOVICH, ERICKSON, SCHWARTZ,
BRIGHTBILL, STOUT, O'PAKE, GREENLEAF, CONTI, PIPPY AND
RAFFERTY, JULY 3, 2004
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, JULY 3, 2004
A RESOLUTION
1 Designating September 27, 2004, as "Family Day" in Pennsylvania.
2 WHEREAS, Children are our most precious resource and deserve
3 to be encouraged, supported and loved; and
4 WHEREAS, Use of illegal drugs and abuse of alcohol and
5 nicotine constitute the greatest threats to the well-being of
6 America's children; and
7 WHEREAS, Surveys conducted by the National Center on
8 Addiction and Substance Abuse have consistently found that
9 children and teenagers who routinely eat dinner with their
10 families are 31% less likely than the average teenager to use
11 illegal drugs, cigarettes and alcohol; and
12 WHEREAS, Teenagers who rarely eat dinner with their families
13 are 72% more likely than the average teenager to use illegal
14 drugs, alcohol and cigarettes; and
15 WHEREAS, Parental influence is well-documented as one of the
16 most crucial factors in determining the likelihood of substance
17 abuse by teenagers; and
1 WHEREAS, Family dinners are well-recognized as a substantial
2 pillar of family life where relationships and understanding are
3 strengthened and values are instilled; and
4 WHEREAS, This vital activity has never been more important
5 and its positive impact on the lives of our children should not
6 be underestimated; therefore be it
7 RESOLVED, That the Senate designate September 27, 2004, as
8 "Family Day" in Pennsylvania and urge its observance throughout
9 this Commonwealth in recognition of the importance of family
10 dinners in preventing substance abuse.
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