[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF ``LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL!''

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 
66, a bill supporting the goals and ideal of ``Lights On 
Afterschool!,'' a national celebration of after-school programs.
  While my district of EI Paso, Texas is fortunate to be served by 
several excellent after-school programs, I am here to say we need more.
  As more families have two parents who work every day--and single 
parents struggle to balance the duties of providing for their kids and 
caring for them--more children are left without supervision after 
school. The Afterschool Alliance estimates there are 14.3 million of 
these children across America.
  Without available after-school programs, many of these children will 
be left to wander the streets between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., the time 
of day when juvenile crime is most likely to occur and children are 
most likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. Or they 
might just sit in front of the television or video game console all 
afternoon.
  By creating more after-school programs--at schools, community 
centers, and faith-based organizations--we provide children a fun and 
productive place to go after school. Also, parents have peace of mind 
knowing their kids are safe and are thus better able to focus on their 
jobs.
  Mr. Speaker, the American people support after-school programs, and 
so should we. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting ``Lights on 
Afterschool'' and the movement for more afterschool programs in 
America.

                          ____________________