SENATE RESOLUTION
8627
By Senators Lovick and Conway
WHEREAS, seven in 10 adults are hesitant to discuss politics during the holidays due to fear of disagreement; and
WHEREAS, A recent New York Times poll found that approximately 25 percent of Americans have experienced strained or broken relationships with family or friends due to political disagreements; and
WHEREAS, Research shows that young adults are twice as likely to be lonely than seniors; and
WHEREAS, A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 84 percent of U.S. adults believe political debate has become less respectful over the past several years; and
WHEREAS, Ongoing ideological conflicts can lead citizens to lose sight of their shared identity and diminish their hope for a unified nation, amplifying the importance to improve public trust in the democratic process by engaging in shared activities and hobbies outside of work and school to foster enjoyment and facilitate connections among individuals with diverse political views and backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Economic challenges have led many American households to work longer hours, resulting in reduced time spent with friends and family; and
WHEREAS, Insufficient civic education during childhood contributes to increased political polarization in society; and
WHEREAS, Political polarization can lead to increased stress and damaged relationships among teenagers, potentially discouraging their political engagement, and can negatively impact their mental health, particularly when disagreements on contentious topics arise among friends or family members; and
WHEREAS, A civically healthy society enables family members, friends, and colleagues to maintain positive relationships despite political disagreements by engaging in respectful dialogue, bridging political divides; and