Delaware-2023-SCR142-Draft

SPONSOR:	Sen. Sturgeon & Sen. Buckson & Rep. Chukwuocha
Sens. Brown, Gay, Hansen, Hocker, Hoffner, Huxtable, Lawson, Lockman, Mantzavinos, S. McBride, Paradee, Pettyjohn, Pinkney, Poore, Richardson, Sokola, Townsend, Walsh, Wilson; Reps. Bush, Carson, Hilovsky, K. Johnson, Lynn, Parker Selby, Yearick

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 142

OBSERVING APRIL 2024, AS THE "2024 MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, thousands of brave Americans demonstrate their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States both on Active Duty and in the National Guard and Reserves; and

WHEREAS, State legislation enacted in August 2015 requires that Delaware public schools have parents or guardians identify if their student is military-connected; and

WHEREAS, for the 2023-2024 school year, there were just over 2,400 military-connected public education school students. This number is based on self-reporting by parents and guardians, and does not include military-connected students in Delaware private schools and homeschools; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to being an active participant in the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) which facilitates military children’s transition in school systems across state lines; and

WHEREAS, Delaware is committed to encouraging our schools to earn the designation of a Delaware Purple Star School which is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to serving military-connected families and students and currently has two schools with this designation with the number of applications increasing every year; and

WHEREAS, Delaware has put in place several legislative initiatives to support military families and their children, including processes for advanced enrollment for families under military orders to relocate or transfer to a military installation within the State, and in-state higher education tuition support; and

WHEREAS, the children of our service members continue to make significant contributions to family, schools, communities, the nation, and our state, despite prolonged and repeated absences of one or both parents or family members; and

WHEREAS, these children are a source of pride and honor to us all, and it is only fitting that we take the time to recognize their contributions, celebrate their spirit, and let our members of the armed forces know that while they are taking care of us, we are helping to care for their children; and

WHEREAS, the recognition of April as the "Month of the Military Child” allows us to pay tribute to military children for their commitment, patience, and courage and show our unconditional support of our troops and their family members.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 152nd General Assembly, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2024 is hereby set aside as the “2024 Month of the Military Child” in the State of Delaware and urge all citizens, businesses, educators, and government leaders to mark this month with appropriate observance to honor, support, and thank our military children.