HOUSE MEMORIAL 50

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas A. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 24, 2009 AS "AFTER-SCHOOL FOR ALL DAY" AT THE NEW MEXICO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, studies by law enforcement and nonprofit organizations show that the hours between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. are the peak hours for children to become victims of violent crimes or to commit crimes themselves; and

     WHEREAS, these hours are also the peak hours for drug and alcohol use and for automobile accidents involving children; and

     WHEREAS, research shows that after-school programs can have a positive impact on society by making streets safer and by reducing risk-taking behavior such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use by teenagers; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs lead to improved educational outcomes for children by increasing school attendance, reducing suspensions and improving standardized test scores; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs reduce crime, health costs associated with drug and alcohol use, grade repetition and the need for remedial education; and

     WHEREAS, after-school programs help working families by providing their children with a safe, educationally enriching place to go after school when there is no parent at home; and

     WHEREAS, school buildings, playgrounds and other school facilities can and should be better utilized before, during and after school hours for structured out-of-school time for children; and

     WHEREAS, only a small portion of elementary and middle schools in the state currently operate an out-of-school time program; and

      WHEREAS, in New Mexico, nineteen percent of children in kindergarten through twelfth grade are responsible for taking care of themselves after school hours, and more than thirty-nine percent of those children would be likely to participate in an after-school program if one were available in their community; and

      WHEREAS, approximately fifty-five percent of New Mexico's children have either a single working parent or two parents who work, making out-of-school time programs a necessity rather than a luxury;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 24, 2009 be proclaimed "After-School for All Day" at the New Mexico house of representatives, recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of New Mexico after-school providers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the public education department, in conjunction with the children, youth and families department and the children's cabinet, be requested to continue to pursue efforts to streamline funding and avoid duplication of after-school programs in the state; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public education, the secretary of children, youth and families and the members of the children's cabinet.

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