Read the full stored bill text
H8518
2026 -- H 8518
========
LC006031
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
PROCLAIMING MAY 2026, TO BE "OLDER AMERICANS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
RHODE ISLAND
Introduced By:
Representatives Carson, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Fogarty,
Shallcross Smith, Cortvriend, Hull, Ajello, and Fellela
Date Introduced:
May 05, 2026
Referred To:
House read and passed
1
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was first established in May 1963 as “Senior
2
Citizens Month” after a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the
3
National Council of Senior Citizens. Early proclamations encouraged the recognition of older
4
Americans’ contributions to society and their needs. Later presidential proclamations continued
5
the observance, and in 1980 the name was changed to Older Americans Month to broaden the
6
celebration of older adults nationwide; and
7
WHEREAS, Rhode Island's own Congressman John E. Fogarty held a pivotal role in
8
establishing the Older Americans Act (OAA). His contribution to older Americans remains a
9
keystone piece of Legislation thereby providing comprehensive services for older adults
10
throughout the United States; and
11
WHEREAS, In 1963, only about 17 million Americans were age 65 or older, and roughly
12
one-third of them lived in poverty; and
13
WHEREAS, Today, there are more than 61 million Americans ages 65 or older,
14
representing approximately 18 percent of the total U.S. population, and this number is projected
15
to continue increasing so that older Americans will make up about 82 million or 23 percent of the
16
population by 2050. In 2024, more than 17 million Americans ages 65 or older were
17
economically insecure, living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL); and
18
WHEREAS, Older Americans Month acknowledges and celebrates the many
19
contributions older adults have made and continue to make in support of our nation, especially
1
our senior veterans. The observance is celebrated across the nation with public ceremonies, fairs,
2
activities, and other events that honor the achievements and service of older adults; and
3
WHEREAS, Every day, older Americans contribute their wisdom, experience, time and
4
resources in support of their communities. They assist young families as they navigate through
5
the joys and travails of raising children, are key supporters and contributors to many civic
6
organizations and charities, and are a key component of the national economy; and
7
WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations are
8
fundamental to American life. It is important that society offer older Americans the services,
9
resources, and support they need to live as independently as possible, make choices that are best
10
for them and their families, and pursue personal fulfillment as they age; now, therefore be it
11
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby
12
proclaims the Month of May 2026 to be "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island;
13
and be it further
14
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
15
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Maria Cimini, Director of the Rhode Island
16
Office of Healthy Aging.
========
LC006031
========
LC006031 - Page 2 of 2