RECOGNIZING SEPTEMBER 17 through 21, 2001 AS NEW MEXICO'S LEGISLATORS BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK.

WHEREAS, New Mexico was created as a representative democracy in which all governmental power is inherent in the people who exercise that power through legislative, executive and judicial branches; and

WHEREAS, future generations of New Mexico's leaders are currently schoolchildren whose interest in representational government seems to be waning; and

WHEREAS, the national conference of state legislatures recognized this lessening interest among students and launched the trust for representative democracy to engage young people and build their understanding and support of America's democratic institutions; and

WHEREAS, the trust for representative democracy established America's legislators back to school week, during which state legislators across the country will visit local schools to teach students about the importance of participating in civic matters; and

WHEREAS, a number of New Mexico's state legislators will participate in the program during the week of September 17 through 21, 2001 to emphasize to students across the state the importance of learning how representational government works and the need for young people to participate in it; and

WHEREAS, students, teachers, administrators and legislators will have the chance to learn something about education and government as a result of participating in the program;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that September 17 through 21, 2001 be recognized as New Mexico's legislators back to school week; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the center for civic education, the national education association, the American association of elementary school administrators, the national association of elementary school principals and the national association of secondary

school principals.