News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: March 6, 1997 Contact: Senator Jerry Ward 907/465-4940

Legislature Passes Resolution To Declare March

"Sobriety Awareness Month"

Juneau -- The Alaska State Legislature Thursday unanimously passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 4 Thursday declaring March, 1997 as Sobriety Awareness Month (SAM).

"Our state must help its citizens to recognize, reinforce and appreciate the quality of life and health benefits realized from a sober lifestyle," said Republican Senator Jerry Ward, sponsor of SCR 4.

"Alcohol and drug abuse related problems are expensive for our government, they tear apart Alaskan families, and wound our children," said Ward. "I hope this resolution urges Alaskans to find solutions -- not just define the problem."

Senator Ward noted that if SRC 4 is passed, it will highlight and reinforce the socially appropriate behaviors and choices sobriety offers:

• Improve the quality of life and health of individuals, families and communities.
• Reduce the incidence of alcohol and drug related crimes.
• Reduce the burden on government in having to exhaust its resources and pay for the pervasive problems caused by alcohol and drug abuse.

SCR 4 will next be transmitted to the Governor. "We hope Governor Knowles will also proclaim March as Sobriety Awareness Month and that he will send copies of his proclamation to respective departments and departmental agencies within the administration that fund or have contact with youth, schools, family services, or provide rehabilitation or correctional services," said Ward.

###

Broadcast Note: Radio actualities are available by calling 800/478-6540.