ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 45

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

221st LEGISLATURE

 

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION

 


 

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman  SHAMA A. HAIDER

District 37 (Bergen)

Assemblywoman  CLEOPATRA G. TUCKER

District 28 (Essex and Union)

 

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman Murphy

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day."

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

  


A Joint Resolution designating June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day."

 

Whereas, According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 260 million widows around the world, and nearly one in ten live in extreme poverty; and

Whereas, In the United States, one million women become widowed each year; and

Whereas, Seventy percent of all married women will be widowed in their lifetime; and

Whereas, Many widows are far younger than one may guess, as the median age of a widow is 59, according to the United States Census Bureau; and

Whereas, Widows are often unsupported by our country's social services, programs, and policies; and

Whereas, Many widows face challenges even years after the loss of a loved one, including financial and legal difficulties, mental and physical health issues, and the loss of health insurance; and

Whereas, It is important to draw attention to the experiences and realities of widows, including the need for increased bereavement leave, changes to Social Security regulations regarding widows, and the plight of widows in other countries; and

Whereas, It is altogether fitting and proper to designate June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day"; now, therefore,

 

     Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    June 23 of each year is designated "International Widows' Day" to draw attention to the plight of widows in this nation and abroad.

 

     2.    The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all citizens of this State, to observe "International Widows' Day" with appropriate programs and activities.

 

     3.    This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This joint resolution designates June 23 of each year as "International Widows' Day."

     According to the United Nations, there are an estimated 260 million widows around the world, and nearly one in ten live in extreme poverty.  In the United States, one million women become widowed each year.  Seventy percent of all married women will be widowed in their lifetime.  Many widows are far younger than one may guess, as the median age of a widow is 59, according to the United States Census Bureau.

     Widows are often unsupported by our country's social services, programs, and policies.  Many widows face challenges even years after the loss of a loved one, including financial and legal difficulties, mental and physical health issues, and the loss of health insurance.  It is important to draw attention to the experiences and realities of widows, including the need for increased bereavement leave, changes to Social Security regulations regarding widows, and the plight of widows in other countries.