[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 124 (Thursday, September 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1992]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF ``LIGHTS ON AFTER-SCHOOL!''

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                               speech of

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 27, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.J. Res. 
66, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of ``Lights On 
Afterschool.'' Lights On Afterschool is a national celebration of after 
school programs and the dedicated people who keep them going.
  After school programs play an important role in the lives of millions 
of school children throughout the United States. These programs provide 
fun and educational activities that help develop the social, emotional, 
physical, cultural, and academic skills of children, while giving them 
a safe and enriching alternative to the streets.
  Students in my home town of Chicago benefit from hundreds of exciting 
after school options. Many of these are coordinated through After 
School Matters, a non-profit organization which partners with the City 
of Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Park District, the 
Chicago Public Library, and the Chicago Department of Children and 
Youth Services to create a network of after school opportunities for 
teens in underserved communities.
  Through After School Matters, Chicago teens take part in engaging 
activities that provide skills that translate to the workplace. After 
School Matters helps kids build positive relationships with adults and 
peers, providing them with access to educational and career 
opportunities in their neighborhoods and the city.
  Programs such as After School Matters are making a difference in 
communities throughout the United States. These programs deserve our 
support, and I urge my colleagues to make after school programs a 
priority as we move through the budget process.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to recognize the 
work of these dedicated people who help provide quality after school 
opportunities for children. On October 20th, I urge my colleagues to 
participate in ``Lights On Afterschool'' and honor the after school 
programs which serve their communities.

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