HR1241 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1241 LRB097 23058 GRL 71870 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives recognize that gang violence is a growing global epidemic that affects people of every age, race, culture, gender and financial background; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois and the Rusty Keeble Foundation are working to help achieve a gang-free America through the GANGFREE Illinois campaign; GANGFREE Illinois provides assistance and support for evidence-based prevention and intervention programs, public forums for community discussions, professional development training, effective enforcement, and intelligence sharing in order to combat gang violence in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, During the month of November, communities and criminal justice professionals of all disciplines throughout the State, in conjunction with various State agencies and the Rusty Keeble Foundation's GANGFREE Project, will take a stand against gangs and the threat they pose to public safety; and

WHEREAS, This year's GANGFREE Month will promote the benefits of prevention, intervention, and enforcement within our communities, schools, jails, and prisons; this observance will educate citizens on gang violence and how it can be eradicated through a joint effort of a committed community; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body call upon young people and all citizens in the State of Illinois and elsewhere to recognize and unite against the proliferation of gangs and gang violence within our communities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate November of 2012 as GANGFREE Illinois Month and call upon the citizens of this State to take a stand against the proliferation of gangs and gang violence by becoming active in their communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we pledge our support to those law enforcement officials, volunteers, teachers, health care professionals, and others who work to help our children avoid gangs and gang violence and urge the citizens of this State to support these individuals as well; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Rusty Keeble Foundation as a symbol of our respect and esteem.