R 295

2015 -- S 0916 Enacted 05/19/2015

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF MAY 2015, TO BE "NATIONAL COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators Lombardi, Coyne, Ottiano, Felag, and Walaska

Date Introduced: May 14, 2015

WHEREAS, Community Action sprang from the heart of President Lyndon B. Johnson's

1964 proclamation of America's "War on Poverty" wherein the battles need to be won in the field,

in every private home, and in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House; and

WHEREAS, Community Action has been putting a human face on poverty for 51 years

through its advocacy for those who don't have a voice, so that they may enter the middle class and

reach for the American dream, replacing their despair with opportunity; and

WHEREAS, Community Action builds and promotes economic stability as an essential

aspect of enabling and enhancing stronger communities, which in turn promotes self-sufficiency

for those with limited incomes, ensuring that all Americans are able to live in dignity; and

WHEREAS, Community Action has enhanced the lives of millions of people across

America by providing essential, life-changing services and opportunities such as affordable

housing, economic development, health care, energy assistance, natural disaster relief, and

recovery; and

WHEREAS, Community Action already serves 99 percent of America's counties in rural,

suburban, and urban communities and because it is right, because it is wise, and because in our

hearts and minds we believe it is possible, we will conquer poverty in our lifetime; and

WHEREAS, Community Action will continue to implement innovative and cost-effective

programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished; continue to provide

support and opportunities for all citizens in need of assistance; and continue to be a major voice

of reason in the establishing social assistance system reforms; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby proclaims the month of May 2015, as "Community Action Month" in recognition of the

hard work and dedication of all the Rhode Island Community Action Networks of Community

Action Agencies; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Paula M. McFarland, NCRT, PER, Executive

Director, Rhode Island Community Action Association.

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LC002711

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