Whereas , Life insurance provides financial security for families in the event of premature death by helping surviving family members meet immediate and long-term financial obligations and objectives; and,

Whereas , Nearly 50 million Americans say they lack the life insurance coverage needed to secure the financial future for their loved ones; and,

Whereas , Recent studies have found that when a premature death occurs, insufficient life insurance coverage on the part of the insured results in three-fourths of surviving family members having to take measures to make ends meet, such as working additional jobs or longer hours, borrowing money, withdrawing money from savings and investment accounts, and, in too many cases, being forced to move to smaller, less expensive housing because of financial constraints; and,

Whereas , Individuals, families, and businesses can benefit greatly from professional insurance and financial planning advice, including the assessment of their life insurance needs; and,

Whereas , The Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education, the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and a coalition representing hundreds of leading life insurance companies and organizations have designated September 2008 as "Life Insurance Awareness Month," with a goal to make consumers more aware of their life insurance needs, and encourage them to seek professional advice and take the actions necessary to achieve financial security for their loved ones; and now therefore be it,

Resolved , That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2008 as Life Insurance Awareness Month in Michigan.