Whereas, The citizens of the state of Michigan stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences for children; and,

Whereas, Afterschool programs also provide support to working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after school and helping to build stronger communities by promoting positive relationships among youth, families and adults; and,

Whereas, More than 28 million children in the United States have parents who work outside the home, and of that amount, 14.3 million children do not have a productive place to go after school; and,

Whereas, Because quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults, the state of Michigan has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth; and,

Whereas, However, many afterschool programs across the country are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to close their doors and turn off their lights; and,

Whereas, The state of Michigan is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 22, 2009, Lights On Afterschool Day in Michigan. I encourage all citizens of the state of Michigan to engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities that ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.