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Facts About 21 Factsheet
Senate Appropriations Hearing for Department of Mental Health - December 4, 2007
Testimony for SB 38 - Banning AWOL Devices - January 22, 2007
2007 Issues/Bills of Interest
1. Special Fund for Reduction of Alcohol-Related Problems and Underage Drinking. This bill would create a special fund, to be used solely for alcohol-related prevention, enforcement, treatment and recovery services which are seriously under-funded in Missouri. The excise tax collections on beer, wine and spirits, currently collected from the manufacturer/solicitor bringing the alcohol into the state, would be earmarked for this new fund. This change would make available over $29.5 million each year, to be used for these services.
2. Ban on Alcohol Vaporizers Machines in Missouri. Alcohol vaporizers are a unique "delivery system" (AWOL -- Alcohol With Out Liquid) which takes liquor and disperses it as a vapor in an oxygen mist. Manufacturers claim that this delivery system of alcohol is a "low-cost, low-carb way to enjoy liquor, with no hangovers, which is very appealing to our youth. The device produces a quick intoxication.
3. Banning Alcohol Consumption and Distribution in the State Capitol. Many citizens do not realize that alcohol is distributed and consumed in the Missouri Capitol. We have yet to find any other state that allows alcohol consumption or distribution, on a daily basis, in their Capitol. Youth brought this to our attention because they are outraged by this practice. MYAA hopes to ban the distribution and consumption of alcohol in the Capitol, except for special events, as approved by the Governor.
4. Banning Those Under 21 Years of Age From Bars and Nightclubs. Some cities in Missouri still allow youth, under the legal drinking age of 21, into bars and nightclubs. Even with added restrictions for this allowance, those youth still manage to obtain alcohol in this setting. Research now shows us that youth who consume alcohol before the age of 21 damage their brains and their bodies. Banning those under the age of 21 is a proven practice for reducing underage drinking and has been effective for many cities.
What can you do NOW?
A. Become acquainted with your legislators (House Representative and Senator) - Introduce yourself (in person, phone call, letter or email)
B. Indicate to your legislator your support of these bills
C. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper (or include in club/organization newsletters) in support of these bills
D. Educate other groups you are involved in (civic/parenting groups, church members, co-workers, etc.) as to these issues and encourage them to make similar contacts.
Petition
This petition is an act of awareness to youth clothing stores who sell inappropriate items targeting youth. Please visit the website below and take a look. We are trying to raise awareness not only to the community, but to let the clothing stores know that we are tired of the sexually explicit, alcohol and drug promoting items that are seen in the youth section.
Click here to view the website and sign the petition
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