A JOINT MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING APRIL 21 THROUGH 27, 2003 AS NATIONAL "TELEVISION TURN OFF WEEK".

WHEREAS, Santa Fe public schools and other community organizations are committed to the promotion of activities that will result in the good health and well-being of the citizens of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, these organizations recognize that the citizens of New Mexico have the right and the responsibility to determine the role of television in their lives and to balance watching television with other activities that encourage positive family and community interaction; and

WHEREAS, participants in the national "Television Turn Off Week" will engage in a broad range of television-free activities that will foster greater social, physical, academic and creative development, resulting in improved quality of life for those individuals and their communities; and

WHEREAS, many individuals and organizations in Santa Fe and in other communities in New Mexico, including educators, clergy, business professionals, health care providers, environmentalists, artists and others, recognize that television can have an enormous impact on health and social concerns; and

WHEREAS, reduced television watching leads to healthier lifestyles and attitudes by decreasing exposure to the depiction of violence, substance abuse and unrealistic sexual attitudes; reduces obesity by providing more time for physical exercise; and improves literacy by providing more time for reading; and

WHEREAS, the week of April 21 through 27, 2003 has been promoted nationally as a week to turn off television and pursue healthy and educational activities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that April 21 through 27, 2003 be recognized as national "Television Turn off Week".