SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1998-8690

By Senators Oke, Franklin, Fraser, Kohl and Rasmussen

     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, peer education, and the American Cancer Society's Youth Speak Out!; 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 American Cancer Society=s Speak Out! 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; Nancy Golosman, 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; David Harrelson, Program Manager for Tobacco Control, American Cancer Society, Western Pacific Division; and Attorney General Christine Gregoire.

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

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1998-8690,

adopted by the Senate January 30, 1998.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate