SENATE MEMORIAL 43

52nd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2015

INTRODUCED BY

Nancy Rodriguez

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE OCTOBER 22, 2015 "DAY OF CONCERN ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE AND GUN VIOLENCE".

     WHEREAS, the young people of New Mexico are its most valuable resource, and the community has a vested interest in ensuring that children grow up in an environment free from fear and violence; and

     WHEREAS, young people deserve a voice in the issues that affect them and their futures; and

     WHEREAS, in the past thirty years, one hundred sixteen thousand three hundred eighty-five children and teens have been killed by firearms, and between 1997 and 2009, hospitalizations from gunshot wounds increased from four thousand two hundred seventy to nearly eight thousand; and

     WHEREAS, the student pledge against gun violence affords the opportunity for bringing together school boards and their respective school districts, as well as networks and resources throughout New Mexico, to build on existing efforts to address issues of gun violence; and

     WHEREAS, since its inception, more than ten million students nationwide have signed the student pledge against gun violence; and

     WHEREAS, the Santa Fe public school district and other state school districts have established a district-wide observance for October 22, 2015 that will give students the opportunity to pledge that they will never bring a gun to school, will never use a gun to settle a personal problem or dispute and will use their influence with their friends to keep them from using guns to settle disputes;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be requested to designate October 22, 2015 "Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence"; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of public education.

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