PRINTER'S NO. 742
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
121
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY MARSHALL, MIHALEK, KORTZ, READSHAW, BARRAR,
TURZAI, LONGIETTI, BERNSTINE, HICKERNELL, HARKINS, KAUFFMAN,
FEE, SCHLOSSBERG, IRVIN, BIZZARRO, TOEPEL, MARKOSEK, PICKETT,
RYAN, B. MILLER, MURT, SONNEY, PASHINSKI, REESE, HILL-EVANS,
SAMUELSON, NEILSON, STAATS, HELM, OBERLANDER, MILLARD, BURNS,
DiGIROLAMO, EVERETT, HENNESSEY, SAYLOR, DEASY, DeLUCA,
ZIMMERMAN, MULLINS, CIRESI, SCHWEYER, KINSEY, FARRY, MATZIE
AND HEFFLEY, MARCH 6, 2019
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MARCH 6, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing March 21, 2019, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs in
approximately one in every 700 births; and
WHEREAS, The most common form of Down syndrome, trisomy 21,
is due to an error in cell division, just prior to or during
conception, with the 21st chromosome dividing into three copies
instead of two, resulting in an individual being born with 47
instead of 46 chromosomes in each cell; and
WHEREAS, There are more than 400,000 people of various
ethnic, racial, religious and socioeconomic groups with Down
syndrome living in the United States; and
WHEREAS, While people with Down syndrome are at a higher risk
for various conditions, including congenital heart defects,
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respiratory problems and thyroid issues, advances in treatments
enable them to lead healthy lives; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to these medical treatments and continuing
research, life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has
increased from 25 years of age in 1983 to 60 years of age today;
and
WHEREAS, Early intervention, appropriate speech, physical and
occupational therapies and quality education programs enable
people with Down syndrome to confront and conquer cognitive
delays; and
WHEREAS, With these programs and the support of their
families and communities, people with Down syndrome are able to
attend school, with many going to college, obtaining full-time
employment and entering into marriage; and
WHEREAS, Noting the significance of the triplication of the
21st chromosome, Down Syndrome International has chosen the 21st
day of the third month of the year, or March 21, 2019, as "World
Down Syndrome Day" in order to raise public awareness of Down
syndrome and to recognize the dignity, rights and well-being of
people with this condition; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize March
21, 2019, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives acknowledge the
positive contributions that people with Down syndrome and their
families make to our communities in Pennsylvania, the United
States and across the globe.
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