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Senate Resolution

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A resolution recognizing April 8 and 9, 2008, as "Massage

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Therapy Legislative Awareness Days."

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     WHEREAS, members of the Florida State Massage Therapy

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Association (FSMTA) and the American Massage Therapy Association

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Florida Chapter (AMTA-FL) throughout the state are actively

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involved in public awareness and health programs to improve the

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health and quality of life of Florida residents, and

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     WHEREAS, the Florida State Massage Therapy Association and

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American Massage Therapy Association Florida Chapter have been

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holding Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days at the Florida

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Capitol since 1988 for the purpose of educating the State

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Legislature and the public concerning the many health benefits of

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massage therapy, and

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WHEREAS, the practice of Massage Therapy is regulated by the

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Board of Massage Therapy within the Department of Health under

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chapter 480, Florida Statutes, and

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WHEREAS, licensed massage therapists have been licensed and

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regulated in the State of Florida since 1943, and there are more

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than 26,000 massage therapists licensed by the state, and

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     WHEREAS, massage therapy is a low-cost, high-quality means

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of enhancing and restoring health, and

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     WHEREAS, increased awareness of the benefits of massage

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therapy will lead to improved health and vitality of the

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residents of the State of Florida, and

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     WHEREAS, the Legislature recognizes massage therapy for

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wellness and preventive health measures, NOW, THEREFORE,

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Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

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     That the Florida Senate recognizes April 8 and 9, 2008, as

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"Massage Therapy Legislative Awareness Days."