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S3247
2026 -- S 3247
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LC006337
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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S E N A T 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:
Senators DiPalma, Lawson, Gu, Felag, Urso, LaMountain, Appollonio,
Tikoian, Murray, and Dimitri
Date Introduced:
May 05, 2026
Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
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WHEREAS, Older Americans Month was first established in May 1963 as “Senior
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Citizens Month” after a meeting between President John F. Kennedy and members of the
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National Council of Senior Citizens. Early proclamations encouraged the recognition of older
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Americans’ contributions to society and their needs. Later presidential proclamations continued
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the observance, and in 1980 the name was changed to Older Americans Month to broaden the
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celebration of older adults nationwide; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island's own Congressman John E. Fogarty held a pivotal role in
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establishing the Older Americans Act (OAA). His contribution to older Americans remains a
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keystone piece of Legislation thereby providing comprehensive services for older adults
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throughout the United States; and
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WHEREAS, In 1963, only about 17 million Americans were age 65 or older, and roughly
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one-third of them lived in poverty; and
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WHEREAS, Today, there are more than 61 million Americans ages 65 or older,
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representing approximately 18 percent of the total U.S. population, and this number is projected
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to continue increasing so that older Americans will make up about 82 million or 23 percent of the
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population by 2050. In 2024, more than 17 million Americans ages 65 or older were
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economically insecure, living at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL); and
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WHEREAS, Older Americans Month acknowledges and celebrates the many
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contributions older adults have made and continue to make in support of our nation, especially
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our senior veterans. The observance is celebrated across the nation with public ceremonies, fairs,
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activities, and other events that honor the achievements and service of older adults; and
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WHEREAS, Every day, older Americans contribute their wisdom, experience, time and
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resources in support of their communities. They assist young families as they navigate through
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the joys and travails of raising children, are key supporters and contributors to many civic
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organizations and charities, and are a key component of the national economy; and
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WHEREAS, Engagement and respect between younger and older generations are
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fundamental to American life. It is important that society offer older Americans the services,
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resources, and support they need to live as independently as possible, make choices that are best
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for them and their families, and pursue personal fulfillment as they age; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims the Month
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of May 2026 to be "Older Americans Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
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transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Maria Cimini, Director of the Rhode Island
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Office of Healthy Aging.
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LC006337
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