Lights on Afterschool Day

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
SENATE
Oct. 10, 2004
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL DAY
S. RES. 456

Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today in support of designating October 14, 2004 as Lights On Afterschool Day. Next Thursday will serve as a national celebration of afterschool programming, a day to celebrate the initiatives that offer quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families and their communities. On this day, communities around our Nation will engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities to ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.

Quality afterschool programs provide safe, engaging and fun learning experiences to help children and youth develop their social, emotional, physical, cultural and academic skills. Such programs also support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends. Afterschool programs also build stronger communities by involving our students, parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives of our young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among children, youth, families and adults. The welfare of our children is also advanced because of the engagement of the families, schools and diverse community partners.

More than 28 million children in the United States have parents who work outside the home, and 14.3 million of them have no place to go after school. In addition, many afterschool programs across the country are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to close their doors and turn off their lights.

I implore my colleagues to support designating October 14, 2004, as Lights On Afterschool Day, and ask the President to issue a proclamation calling on the communities of this Nation to engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities for all children after school.