2023 -- H 6393
========
LC002922
========
S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 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
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month began in 1963 as "Senior Citizens Month" after a 1
meeting between President John Kennedy and the National Council of Senior Citizens. It became 2
Older Americans Month in 1965; and 3
WHEREAS, When Older Americans Month was established, 17 million Americans were 4
65 and older, with approximately a third living in poverty. Today, more than 56 million 5
Americans are aged 65 and older and that number is projected to grow to 73.1 million by 2030. 6
The poverty rate amongst older Americans has dropped from one-third to somewhere between 8.9 7
percent and 10.3 percent, thanks to greater government intervention at national, state and local 8
levels. However, more still needs to be done; and 9
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month acknowledges and celebrates the many 10
contributions older adults have made, and continue to make, in support of our nation, especially 11
our senior veterans. Older Americans Month is celebrated across the nation with public 12
ceremonies, fairs, activities and other events; and 13
WHEREAS, Every day, older Americans contribute their wisdom, experience, time and 14
resources in support of their communities. They assist young families as they navigate through 15
the joys and travails of raising children, are key supporters and contributors to many civic 16
organizations and charitable entities, and are a key component of the national economy; and 17
WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations is an 18
important fabric of American life. It is important that American society offer senior Americans 19
LC002922 - Page 2 of 2
the services, resources and support they need in order to live as independently as possible, make 1
the choices that are best for them and their families and loved ones, and to choose their own paths 2
as they age; now, therefore be it 3
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode island hereby 4
proclaims the Month of May to be "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be 5
it further 6
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 7
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Ms. Alison Barkoff, Acting Administrator and 8
Assistant Secretary for Aging, Principal Deputy Administrator, Administration for Community 9
Living. 10
========
LC002922
========