Reps. Iden, Chirkun, Crawford and Howrylak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 39.  

            A resolution to declare March 2017 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Legalized gambling is available in a variety of forms across Michigan; and

            Whereas, For some individuals, gambling becomes an issue with significant societal and economic costs for these individuals, their families, and their communities; and

            Whereas, Problem gambling is a public health issue affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds; and

            Whereas, The National Council on Problem Gambling is coordinating the thirteenth annual National Problem Gambling Awareness Month during March, and seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services; and

            Whereas, Problem gambling is treatable and treatment is effective in minimizing harm to both individuals and society. It is important to raise public awareness of the warning signs of problem gambling and the availability and effectiveness of treatment; and

Whereas, Educating citizens about problem gambling is important to recognizing and preventing problem gambling; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare March 2017 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That we urge the citizens of the state of Michigan to recognize the seriousness of problem gambling and encourage the citizens to play responsibly.