46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT A YOUTH COUNCIL CONSISTING OF LEGISLATORS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO ADVISE THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, twenty-eight percent of New Mexico's population is under the age of eighteen, a higher percentage than the national rate; and

WHEREAS, the challenges facing today's youth are daunting, ranging from substance abuse to pregnancy and from limited employment opportunities to higher education costs; and

WHEREAS, in developing potential methods to mitigate and help youth overcome the challenges they face today, legislators would benefit from the input of New Mexico's youth; and

WHEREAS, including young people in the policymaking process would foster a respect among youth for government that they would carry with them into adulthood;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to create an interim youth council to consist of legislators and young people to study the problems and challenges facing young people and potential solutions to those problems and challenges and to report its findings and recommendations, if any, to the second session of the forty-sixth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.