Resolution No: 71 33rd International Convention August 24-28, 1998 Honolulu, HI

WHEREAS:

America's children are in danger everyday in America:

• 3 children die from child abuse;
• 15 children die from guns;
• 27 children—a classroom full—die from poverty;
• 95 babies die before their first birthday;
• 564 babies are born to women who had late or no prenatal care;
• 788 babies are born at low birthweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces);
• 1,340 teenagers give birth;
• 2,217 teenagers drop out of school each school day;
• 2,350 children are in adult jails;
• 2,699 infants are born into poverty;
• 3,356 babies are born to unmarried women;
• 8,189 children are reported abused or neglected;
• 100,000 children are homeless;
• 135,000 children bring guns to school;
• 1,200,000 latchkey children come home to a house in which there is a gun; and

WHEREAS:

Children are the future, but if we refuse to invest in children and continue to destroy federal investments and programs to support families with livable wages, housing, child care, medical, food/clothes, recreational opportunities and educational necessities, the consequences could be devastating.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME support the endorsements of candidates who are proactive in children's issues and continue to lobby and urge Congress and the President for their support of programs to assist children and families.

SUBMITTED BY:

Steve Chenoweth, President and Delegate
Lorna J. Rife, Secretary
AFSCME Local 53, Council 28
Washington