2023 -- H 6393

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LC002922

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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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

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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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