HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 95-4645, by Representatives Dickerson, Ballasiotes, Chappell, Hatfield, Conway, Wolfe, Mason, Cole, Tokuda, Campbell, Kessler, Blanton, Sherstad, Radcliff, Koster, Kremen, Dyer and Basich

    WHEREAS, Youth violence in Washington state affects not just individuals but entire families, neighborhoods, and communities; and

    WHEREAS, Incidents of youth violence including murder, assault, and rape have been rising steadily for more than a decade; and

    WHEREAS, Youth violence is a reflection of significant problems underlying the fabric of our society, from poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, racism, child abuse and neglect, single parent households, inadequate educational systems, and media glamorization of violence; and

    WHEREAS, It is the goal of the House of Representatives to stop youth violence by expanding our vision beyond simply preventing violence and envisioning the creation of healthy communities; and

    WHEREAS, Creating healthy communities requires bringing together parents, educators, neighborhood associations, businesses, social and health services providers, law enforcement, and young people themselves;

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Washington condemn the scourge of youth violence, and encourage the citizens of this state to actively participate in the creation of renewed, healthy, violence-free communities.

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

Resolution 4645 adopted by the House of Representatives

                  April 13, 1995.

         ________________________________

          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk