AJR27: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-2597/1

CMH:klm

2017 - 2018 LEGISLATURE

2017 Assembly JOINT RESOLUTION 27

March 30, 2017 - Introduced by Representatives Ballweg, E. Brooks, Brandtjen, Berceau, Edming, Fields, Genrich, Hebl, Horlacher, Jagler, Jacque, Kerkman, Kleefisch, Knodl, Kolste, Kooyenga, Mason, Milroy, Novak, Ripp, Sargent, Sinicki, Spreitzer, Subeck, Tauchen, Thiesfeldt, Tittl, Vruwink and Pope, cosponsored by Senators Darling, Bewley, Carpenter, Cowles, Harsdorf, Johnson, Lasee, Marklein, Nass, Ringhand, L. Taylor, Vinehout and Wirch. Referred to Committee on Rules.

AJR27,1,1 Relating to: proclaiming April 2017 as Donate Life Month in the state of Wisconsin.

AJR27,1,4 Whereas, each year since 2003, during the month of April we recognize the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donation and honor those individuals who have donated life; and

AJR27,1,8 Whereas, the list of people awaiting organ transplants in Wisconsin numbers more than 2,100 names, nearly half of whom have waited more than two years, and nationally, more than 118,000 individuals are on the national organ transplant waiting list; and

AJR27,1,10 Whereas, every ten minutes, another man, woman, or child is added to the national transplant waiting list; and

AJR27,1,12 Whereas, there were 800 transplants performed in Wisconsin in 2016 from the generosity of 388 donors and donor families; and

AJR27,1,14 Whereas, despite the success of current efforts, 22 people die each day waiting for a donor organ; and

AJR27,2,3 Whereas, up to 30,000 people each year are diagnosed with leukemia or other blood diseases, and approximately 20,000 will not find a marrow donor match within their family and must rely upon the generosity of strangers; and

AJR27,2,6 Whereas, nearly 32,000 units of blood are used in the United States every day and blood supply reserves are often low because only 5 percent of the population donates blood regularly; and

AJR27,2,9 Whereas, a single individual's donation of heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and small intestine can save up to eight lives, and donation of tissue can help save or enhance the lives of as many as 75 recipients; and

AJR27,2,11 Whereas, almost every individual, regardless of age, is a potential organ, tissue, bone marrow, or blood donor; and

AJR27,2,13 Whereas, transplantation has become an element of mainstream medicine that prolongs and enhances life; now, therefore, be it

AJR27,2,16 Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature proclaim April 2017 as Donate Life Month in the state of Wisconsin, and commend this observance to all citizens; and, be it further

AJR27,2,21 Resolved, That the members of the legislature call upon our citizens to learn about the importance of organ, tissue, bone marrow, and blood donation, to sign up to be a donor in English or Spanish at the Wisconsin donor registry, DonorRegistry.Wisconsin.gov, or through the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, and to discuss such decision with their families and friends; and, be it further

AJR27,2,23 Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to Donate Life Wisconsin, Inc.

AJR27,2,24 (End)