WHEREAS, There are 8,000 children in foster care on any given day
in Washington State; and
WHEREAS, The basic, medical, and therapeutic needs of foster
children are provided by the budget of the children's administration of
the department of social and health services; and
WHEREAS, Their normal childhood needs and desires for
extracurricular activities, like team sports, music, and art lessons,
field trips and summer camp, and tangible needs like associated student
body cards, school yearbooks, and prom tickets have no public funding
source; and
WHEREAS, Social science research and common sense dictate that
these experiences are important to successful growth and development
and can reduce the negative effects of abuse and neglect;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
recognizes the importance of supporting foster children and their
participation in extracurricular activities not paid for by the state,
and proudly sponsors the June Leonard Memorial Golf Tournament.