SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8626

By Senators Oke, Haugen, Long, Franklin, Spanel and Kohl

     WHEREAS, One of four high school seniors in Washington are current smokers; and

     WHEREAS, Three thousand young people start smoking every day in the United States, one third of whom will eventually die of tobacco-related illnesses; and

     WHEREAS, Advertising and peer pressure are strong motivating factors in a teen's decision to start using tobacco; and

     WHEREAS, Teens all across Washington are involved in programs and activities such as youth coalitions, Teens as Teachers, and the American Cancer Society's Youth Initiative; and

     WHEREAS, These programs are designed to prepare teens to educate younger teens and preteens about the dangers of tobacco use; and

     WHEREAS, Teens are speaking out in support of stronger policies to restrict tobacco access and exposure by minors; and

     WHEREAS, Youths have opportunities to speak out against tobacco through programs sponsored by local health departments, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, and Washington DOC;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognizes teens involved in anti-tobacco programs designed to keep tobacco away from minors and eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognizes the Teens Against Tobacco Day where teens from across the state advocate for stronger state laws restricting access and exposure to tobacco by minors; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of the resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Astrid Berg, American Lung Association of Washington; Steve Bowman, Washington State Department of Health; Robert Jaffe, M.D., Washington DOC; Willie Stewart, Chairman of the Board, American Cancer Society, Western Pacific Division; Ann Marie Pomerinke, Chief Executive Officer, American Cancer Society, Western Pacific Division; and David Harrelson, Program Manager for Tobacco Control, American Cancer Society, Western Pacific Division.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1997-8626,

adopted by the Senate February 28, 1997.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate