| R 324 |
| 2023 -- H 6393 Enacted 05/11/2023 |
| H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N |
| PROCLAIMING MAY OF 2023, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND |
Introduced By: Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Place, Fenton-Fung, Shallcross Smith, Bennett, DeSimone, Ajello, and Fellela |
| Date Introduced: May 11, 2023 |
| WHEREAS, Older Americans Month began in 1963 as "Senior Citizens Month" after a |
| meeting between President John Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens. It became |
| Older Americans Month in 1965; and |
| WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was established, 17 million Americans were |
| 65 and older, with approximately a third living in poverty. Today, more than 56 million |
| Americans are aged 65 and older and that number is projected to grow to 73.1 million by 2030. |
| The poverty rate amongst older Americans has dropped from one-third to somewhere between 8.9 |
| percent and 10.3 percent, thanks to greater government intervention at national, state and local |
| levels. However, more still needs to be done; and |
| WHEREAS, Older Americans Month acknowledges and celebrates the many |
| contributions older adults have made, and continue to make, in support of our nation, especially |
| our senior veterans. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the nation with public |
| ceremonies, fairs, activities and other events; and |
| WHEREAS, Every day, older Americans contribute their wisdom, experience, time and |
| resources in support of their communities. They assist young families as they navigate through |
| the joys and travails of raising children, are key supporters and contributors to many civic |
| organizations and charitable entities, and are a key component of the national economy; and |
| WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations is an |
| important fabric of American life. It is important that American society offer senior Americans |
| the services, resources and support they need in order to live as independently as possible, make |
| the choices that are best for them and their families and loved ones, and to choose their own paths |
| as they age; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode island hereby |
| proclaims the Month of May to be "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be |
| it further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Ms. Alison Barkoff, Acting Administrator and |
| Assistant Secretary for Aging, Principal Deputy Administrator, Administration for Community |
| Living. |
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| LC002922 |
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