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

Ward’s Resolution Designates March "Sobriety Awareness Month"

For Immediate Release: February 10, 1998 Contact: Senator Jerry Ward, 465-4940.

Juneau – As part of his ongoing commitment to recognize, reinforce and appreciate the quality of life and health benefits realized from a sober lifestyle, Republican Senator Jerry Ward sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 21 declaring March, 1998 as Sobriety Awareness Month (SAM). The Senate unanimously passed SCR 21 on Tuesday.

"So much crime and dysfunction in Alaska can be traced to alcohol and drug abuse," said Senator Ward. "Substance abuse is tearing apart Alaskan families, hurting our children and adding an element of constant fear and unrest in our streets. I am introducing this resolution so that Alaskans can focus on solutions -- not just the problem," Ward said.

Senator Ward noted that if SRC 21 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.

"I believe a start to finding a solution is to honor sobriety as a clean and positive lifestyle. We must encourage this lifestyle choice by honoring those who work toward living a sober life. SCR 21 will allow Alaska to lead the nation in declaring ‘Sobriety Awareness Month’-- for a positive, healthy and productive way of life," Ward said.

# # #

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