[Congressional Bills 108th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 456 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]







108th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 456

    Designating October 14, 2004, as ``Lights On Afterschool! Day''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                            October 10, 2004

   Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Snowe) submitted the following 
             resolution; which was considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Designating October 14, 2004, as ``Lights On Afterschool! Day''.

Whereas quality afterschool programs provide safe, challenging, engaging, and 
        fun learning experiences to help children and youth develop their 
        social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic skills;
Whereas quality afterschool programs support working families by ensuring their 
        children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends;
Whereas quality afterschool programs build stronger communities by involving 
        students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives 
        of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among 
        children, youth, families, and adults;
Whereas quality afterschool programs engage families, schools, and diverse 
        community partners in advancing the welfare of children;
Whereas ``Lights On Afterschool!'', a national celebration of afterschool 
        programs on October 14, 2004, promotes the critical importance of 
        quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families, 
        and their communities;
Whereas more than 28,000,000 children in the United States have parents who work 
        outside the home, and 14,300,000 children have no place to go after 
        school; and
Whereas many afterschool programs across the country are facing funding 
        shortfalls so severe that they are forced to close their doors and turn 
        off their lights: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) designates October 14, 2004, as ``Lights On 
        Afterschool! Day''; and
            (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        calling on the communities of the Nation to engage in 
        innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure the 
        lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after 
        school.
                                 <all>