[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 141 (Wednesday, October 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   RECOGNIZING LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL!

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                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, October 8, to 
recognize Lights On Afterschool! events happening all around the 
country tomorrow.
  Lights On Afterschool! is a national celebration of after-school 
programs and the important role they play in the lives of children, 
families and communities. After-school programs keep kids safe, help 
working families and improve academic achievement.
  On any given afternoon at least 7 million, and as many as 15 million, 
``latchkey children'' leave school only to return to an empty house. 
There is no question that the hours children spend unsupervised after 
school is when they are more likely to be involved in crime, substance 
abuse and other dangerous activities. In recognition of this, Lights On 
Afterschool! programs provide young people opportunities to be involved 
in productive activity after school. We need to ensure that every child 
has an open door to experiences that help positively shape his or her 
future.
  I am extremely proud of a company in my District that has taken a 
leadership role is this critical movement, J.C. Penney Company, Inc. 
They have formed an extension of their company, the JCPenney 
Afterschool Fund, which partners with organizations like Junior 
Achievement to help young people reach their full potential. JCPenney 
Afterschool and Junior Achievement are working to provide economic 
education programs to more than 100,000 young people during the current 
academic year.
  Congratulations to JCPenney Afterschool, Junior Achievement, and to 
other organizations like the Afterschool Alliance, Boys & Girls Clubs 
of America, YMCA of the USA and 4-H for their commitment to making a 
difference in the lives of children across America through after-school 
programs.

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