III 108th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 456 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

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.