Wednesday, August 18, 2004

Columba Bush Statement on Child Drinking

Statement by:
FIRST LADY COLUMBA BUSH
Regarding: Semi-Postal Stamp to Benefit Childhood Drinking
Prevention and Education


"In Congress during July, U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX)
and Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) took a major step to stop underage alcohol use
when they introduced a bill that would establish the first-ever childhood
drinking semi-postal stamp.

"Underage alcohol use is a tremendous problem in Florida and
throughout the nation. Nationally, nearly one-third of youth begin drinking
before they reach age 13. In Florida, alcohol remains the most common
substance abused by children. Three times more 6th through 12th graders
have used alcohol in the past month than marijuana. While youth alcohol use
in Florida has decreased by 10 percent since 1999, far too many of our
children continue to drink, with significant risk to their health and
well-being.

"The new semi-postal stamp will raise awareness about the dangers
associated with alcohol use by children and fund prevention and education.
It has the potential to make an enormous difference. I join governors'
spouses all across the country, and the Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol
Free, in urging every member of Congress to support it.

"Underage alcohol use is taking a toll on our families, our
communities and our nation every day. There is no time to waste."


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