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S. 839

STATUS INFORMATION

Concurrent Resolution
Sponsors: Senators Scott, Jackson, Matthews and Williams
Document Path: l:\council\bills\agm\19485mm09.docx

Introduced in the Senate on May 14, 2009
Introduced in the House on May 19, 2009
Adopted by the General Assembly on May 19, 2009

Summary: Youth Awareness Month

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number
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   5/14/2009  Senate  Introduced, adopted, sent to House SJ-7
   5/19/2009  House   Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence HJ-18

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

5/14/2009

TO DECLARE THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2009 YOUTH AWARENESS MONTH IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL CITIZENS OF THIS GREAT STATE TO PROMOTE STRONG FAMILIES AND PARENTING ALONG WITH YOUTH PROGRAMS AND JOBS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly recognize that children are the most precious state resource and hold in their collective body the future of our beloved State; and

Whereas, young people today face a multitude of struggles with destructive powers in modern society, such as the use of illicit drugs, a rise in teen pregnancy, gang violence, increasing teen criminal activity including dating violence, tragic youth suicide, far-reaching health issues, and an unacceptably high school dropout rate; and

Whereas, sources suggest that dating violence affects one in four youths and the use of illegal drugs and under-age drinking reportedly occur in over fifty percent of high school students; and

Whereas, the American Academy of Pediatrics explains that the rise in youth suicide stems from the ease of procuring tools for suicide, the greater pressures of modern life, difficult academic competition, and a proliferation of violence in the media; and

Whereas, in addition to mental and emotional health concerns, today's youth face physical health dangers such as sexually transmitted disease, obesity, eating disorders, and lack of physical fitness; and

Whereas, our youth are increasingly uneducated, even illiterate, as a result of an alarmingly high school dropout rate, and are, as well, sadly unaware and uninformed in many life-skill areas such as financial literacy; and

Whereas, the resources of our communities and State can combat the forces that assail our young people, and after-school programs that strengthen their emotional and moral constitution should be encouraged and promoted; and

Whereas, youth jobs also can be provided by local businesses where young people can be mentored and learn the satisfaction and self-worth derived from gainful employment; and

Whereas, most importantly, the Palmetto State recognizes the importance of positive family influence in the lives of young people and the critical need for strong, loving parenting; and

Whereas, knowing our great responsibility to posterity, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly desire to promote the welfare of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, declare the month of September 2009 Youth Awareness Month in South Carolina and encourage all citizens of this great State to promote strong families and parenting along with youth programs and jobs.

This web page was last updated on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 2:45 P.M.