THE GET OUTDOORS ACT
WHEREAS, the federal Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention has declared obesity is on track to overtake
tobacco as the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that
obesity-related health problems cost the U.S. economy nearly $100 billion
annually; and
WHEREAS, about
15.5 percent of adolescents (ages 12 to 19) and 15.3 percent of children (ages
6 to 11) are obese. The increase in obesity among American youth over the past
two decades is dramatic
WHEREAS, lack of physical
activity is one of the root causes of obesity; and
WHEREAS, the Get Outdoor Act (GO Act)
would help reduce obesity by establishing a permanent source of funding to
provide $3 billion annually to encourage physical activity and recreation in
urban, suburban, and rural areas;
WHEREAS, the GO Act will
provide funding directly to local governments for parks, recreation programs,
and community needs, and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that
the U.S. Conference of Mayors strongly encourages the U.S. Congress to pass the
Get Outdoors Act to address obesity related problems and provide physical and
recreational opportunities in urban, suburban, and rural areas.
©2004 U.S. Conference of Mayors 