Congressman Henry Cuellar Encourages Kids to Kick Butts!

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR ENCOURAGES KIDS TO KICK BUTTS!

Washington, DC- Congressman Henry Cuellar encourages kids to "Kick Butts!" through his support of National Kick Butts Day, April 5, 2006. This day emphasizes youth participation in fighting smoking, and promotes leadership and activism against tobacco usage.

"I encourage local schools to garner support for youth activities advocating the fight against smoking on this day and every day. It is time to recommit ourselves to cutting youth smoking," stated Congressman Cuellar.

Every day, 1,200 Americans die from tobacco related diseases, totaling up to 438,000 per year. In Texas, 24.3 percent of high school students smoke, and 40,400 kids become regular smokers every year. Every year, tobacco use kills 24,100 residents and costs the State of Texas $5.4 billion in health care bills.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the tobacco companies spend more than $15.4 billion a year to market their products in the U.S., which comes to $42 million a day. In Texas, tobacco companies spend $966 million a year to market their products.

Congressman Cuellar noted "These statistics are alarming and sobering. Tobacco usage among our youth population is a dangerous fact, one that needs to be acknowledged and then halted. National Kick Butts Day is an excellent way to raise awareness and to promote youth leadership against this destructive force. I commend the students who take part in it, and encourage all of our youth to recognize and take action against this harmful habit."

For more information, visit: http://kickbuttsday.org/

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Budget and Agriculture committees in the 109th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care and economic development are his priorities.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/tx28_cuellar/060405.html