Public Policy
Century Council tapes PSAs with State Attorneys General and Dara Torres!
Today, The Century Council teamed up with Dara Torres, five-time Olympian and winner of 12 Olympic medals in swimming, and 23 State Attorneys General to encourage kids to say “YES” to a healthy lifestyle and “NO” to underage drinking. The sixth annual PSA taping was part of the National Association of Attorneys General Spring Meeting. The PSAs will be aired during April which is Alcohol Awareness Month and will raise awareness about the dangers of underage drinking. Also timed for Alcohol Awareness Month, we will distribute The Century Council’s new Ask, Listen, Learn interactive educational activity in states across the nation.
Ask Listen Learn visits Stratford w/ Rep. DeLauro!
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro made an appearance on Monday with The Century Council's Ask Listen Learn program on Monday. We think it's great when representatives speak to kids in their districts about saying yes to a healthy lifestyle and no to underage drinking.
She appeared at Harry B. Flood Middle School, in Stratford, CT. Waiting for her was an enthusiastic group of middle-school students. Check out the pictures below!
We'd like to thank Rep. DeLauro for her service, and Flood Middle School for their wonderful students!
Safer roads for everyone - The Roads Safe Act of 2010
In 2006, The Century Council committed its support for the exploration of advanced technologies to prevent drunk driving. The Century Council believes that development of technology to prevent drunk driving holds great promise if it is moderately priced, absolutely reliable, set at the legal BAC limit of .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and unobtrusive to the sober driver.
We are pleased to reaffirm this longstanding support by supporting The Roads Safe Act of 2010, introduced today by Senator Tom Udall (DNM) and co-sponsored by Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN). This legislation would significantly increase Federal funding for the ongoing exploration of advanced technologies to prevent drunk driving led by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the auto industry.
The Century Council is proud of its nearly 20 year commitment to fighting drunk driving and our many partnerships with groups like AAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the National District Attorneys Association, among others. Through these efforts we have worked to reduce drunk driving especially among repeat offenders and people who drive at high BAC levels of .15% or above. For these drivers, The Century Council also favors tiered systems that mandate more severe penalties, treatment, and aftercare.
We applaud the leadership of Senator Udall and Senator Corker in working to develop technology that would prevent people from driving drunk and save thousands of lives each year. Click here to learn more about the Roads Safe Act of 2010.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen's New Ask, Listen, Learn PSA
Yesterday, we made our way to Florida to talk with Boys and Girls Clubbers in Miami. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and The Century Council's Chairwoman, Susan Molinari talked to the kids about the importance of saying YES to a healthy lifestyle and NO to underage drinking. The Congresswoman taped a public service announcement in both Spanish and English which will air in the Miami area encouraging parents to talk to their kids about the dangers of underage drinking.
For more information, visit the parent's section of our Ask, Listen, Learn website.
New Jersey Legislature passes Ricci's Law
This week, the New Jersey Legislature overwhelmingly passed “Ricci’s Law” toughening the penalties for DUI. The bill is named after Ricci Branca, a teen who was killed in a DUI hit and run while biking with friends in 2006. If enacted, this legislation would require New Jersey courts to order interlocks for offenders who refuse a BAC test, drive with a high BAC of .15 or higher, or have been previously convicted of DUI. The Century Council supports the usage of ignition interlocks for these hardcore offenders, and urges Gov. Corzine to sign this important, life-saving legislation.
The Century Council thanks Congressmen for their efforts
Last week, The Century Council presented awards to three Members of Congress who made invaluable contributions to the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking. We recognize them for their achievements, and thank them for their diligent work.
Congressman Hoyer is a longtime leader in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking. In June of 2009, Congressman Hoyer participated in our June 2009 ‘Ask, Listen, Learn’ on Capitol Hill, and has been an excellent partner of The Century Council over the years. We thank him for his steadfast efforts.
On Thursday we gave an award to Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-TX.) Congresswoman Granger supported and participated in our June 2009 ‘Ask, Listen, Learn’ event on Capitol Hill. We’re very thankful for her help, and for her engagement with the very important issue of underage drinking.
On Friday we gave an award to Congressmen Elijah Cummings (D-MD.) In May of 2009, he hosted The Century Council’s Brandon Tells His Story initiative at Edmondson-Westside High School in Baltimore, MD. We thank him for his appearance, and for working to encourage a safe, healthy lifestyle for kids in his district.
