HR0688 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0688 LRB099 13427 MST 37349 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives recognize that there are distressed communities throughout Illinois that struggle with many economic and social problems, including crime, unemployment, poverty, mortgage foreclosures, declining property values, deficiencies in public health services, and deficits in public education; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, these economic and social problems have become more prevalent and they have exacerbated existing conditions; it is important to take a comprehensive approach to the ongoing crisis of distressed communities in Illinois; as long as these problems are not successfully addressed, the cost to taxpayers in Illinois will only increase; and

WHEREAS, State government resources are expended in ever-increasing amounts to address these social and economic problems, and those expenditures are a significant drain on the State's road to financial stability; there exist numerous ways for State government to be operated more efficiently and more economically; more effective, efficient, and economical ways to raise the overall welfare of the distressed communities can then be replicated, with adjustments as appropriate, to all communities in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation's largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations; the Boy Scouts of America provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness; for over a century, the Boy Scouts of America has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun; the Boy Scouts of America believes - and, through over a century of experience, knows - that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society; and

WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America Pathway to Adventure Council supplies unit leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to deliver the best possible Scouting program to youth and young adults in the community to prepare them for life; building strong units creates strong districts, a strong council, and a bright future; and

WHEREAS, The Pathway to Adventure Council spans 2 states, serves more than 26,000 youth members, and includes over 9,000 volunteers, 7 camp properties, and 4 Service Centers; while the Pathway to Adventure Council is new in name, it is rooted in over 100 years of distinguished history, talent, and culture; and

WHEREAS, The Boy Scouts of America Pathway to Adventure Council is entering a new chapter in the history of its membership; this years's theme is "Ignite the Fun ... Blast into Scouting", and on September 17, 2015, a recruitment drive will be held at elementary schools across the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we commend the Boy Scouts of America on its character and its drive for equality for all Illinois families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage the utilization of the Boy Scouts of America as an important asset in improving communities during tough economic times when State resources within communities may be lacking; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Boy Scouts of America as an expression of our esteem and respect.