Reps. Terry Brown, Ball, Booher, Lisa Brown, Caul, Constan, Dean, Donigan, Durhal, Espinoza, Geiss, Green, Rick Jones, Robert Jones, Kurtz, Lahti, LeBlanc, Leland, Lipton, Mayes, McDowell, Neumann, Pearce, Polidori, Proos, Roberts, Slavens, Smith, Spade, Switalski, Tyler, Valentine, Womack, Cushingberry, Gonzales, Hansen, Haugh and Sheltrown offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 147.

            A resolution commemorating Monday, September 21, 2009, as Family Day in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, The Family Day initiative has been proclaimed in Huron County, Michigan in an effort to promote positive parenting; and

            Whereas, The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol and nicotine constitute the greatest threats to the well-being of America’s children; and

            Whereas, Surveys conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University have consistently found that the more often children and teenagers eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, and use illegal drugs; and

Whereas, Children who virtually never eat dinner with their families are 72 percent more likely than the average teenager to use illegal drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes; and

Whereas, The correlation between family dinners and reduced risk for teen substance abuse are well documented; and

Whereas, Parental influence is known to be one of the most crucial factors in determining the likelihood of substance abuse and underage drinking by children; and

Whereas, Parents are the first and most important role model in a child’s life; and

Whereas, Family dinners have long constituted a substantial pillar of family life in America, now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate Monday, September 21, 2009, as Family Day in the state of Michigan. We encourage all counties in the state of Michigan to educate Americans on the commitment and dedication to individuals, families, and communities everywhere that the Family Day initiative provides; and be it further

Resolved, That the House of Representatives support all efforts and resources, particularly local, that families having supper together will provide love, guidance, support, and comfort to help children gain the skills needed to succeed in life and fulfill their dreams; and be it further

Resolved, That the House of Representatives upholds the vision that every person, everywhere, everyday understands their responsibility in raising our children; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to Kids First of Huron County and other local community organizations throughout the state of Michigan.