SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 492

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University and Texans across the state in observing March 20, 2013, as Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day; and

WHEREAS, Tobacco use imposes an enormous burden on the people of Texas and contributes to the premature death of more than 24,000 Texans each year; nearly 90 percent of adults who smoke tobacco began the habit before reaching the age of 18; and

WHEREAS, Secondhand smoke is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer and coronary heart disease in nonsmoking adults, and it endangers the health of children; and

WHEREAS, The Texas Department of State Health Services has worked in partnership with communities and schools across Texas, including the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University, to support the health and well-being of the state's students by establishing a statewide tobacco awareness day; and

WHEREAS, This event provides an opportunity for young people across the state to participate and to encourage and support tobacco-free lifestyles for all Texans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize the importance of preventing youth tobacco use and declare March 20, 2013, as Texas Tobacco-Free Kids Day; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special occasion.

Ellis

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 20, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate