Bill Text: NJ SJR111 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-05-09 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee [SJR111 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2024-SJR111-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator ANGELA V. MCKNIGHT
District 31 (Hudson)
SYNOPSIS
Designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the month of May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, In 2020, there were more than 55 million individuals who were 65 years of age or older in the United States, including 1.5 million individuals in the State of New Jersey, and those individuals accounted for approximately 17 percent of the national and State population; and
Whereas, Older Americans have made immeasurable contributions to the social, civic, and economic fabric of this State and country; and
Whereas, The contributions and sacrifices that older Americans have made is no more apparent than in the example of our older veterans, whose strength and resilience throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first century safeguarded the nation's continued liberty and prosperity; and
Whereas, Older Americans continue to play an important role in society by contributing their experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments through vital community roles such as volunteer work, the arts, cultural activities, civic engagement, and the workforce; and
Whereas, Fewer workers are transitioning directly from full-time work to full-time retirement, with some taking part-time positions with their current or new employers and others becoming self-employed, both to help maintain the sense of purpose associated with employment and to remain financially flexible in an uncertain economy; and
Whereas, In New Jersey, the percentage of older Americans in the workforce increased from 18.1 percent in 2020 to 37 percent in 2022, the largest workforce participation rate increase in the country; and
Whereas, According to the American Associated of Retired Persons, nearly 80 percent of workers aged 40 to 65 have experienced age discrimination in the workplace, with nearly all workers polled believing laws to combat age discrimination should be stronger; and
Whereas, The coronavirus pandemic has posed unique challenges for older Americans, as the risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 increases with age; and
Whereas, Due to their vulnerability to severe illness from COVID-19, many older Americans have isolated from family members and friends, experienced challenges with economic security, and faced backlash from some who have ostracized older Americans for taking precautionary measures during the pandemic; and
Whereas, The many challenges facing older Americans will remain at the forefront of challenges facing the nation, as the life expectancy of Americans has increased since 1960 from 70.1 years to 78.9 years, and is expected to further increase to 85.3 years by 2060; and
Whereas, The month of May was first nationally designated as "Senior Citizens Month" in 1963, and in 1980, the designation was changed to "Older Americans Month," and since that time the national celebration of the month of May as "Older Americans Month" has become a tradition; and
Whereas, As a State, we need to continue our commitment to the goal of ensuring that older Americans in New Jersey enjoy active, productive, and healthy lives, and do so safely and with dignity; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the State of New Jersey to recognize and celebrate the contributions of older Americans and rededicate our efforts to better serve the older Americans of New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The month of May of each year is designated as "Older Americans Month" in the State of New Jersey to honor and celebrate the important contributions of older individuals, publicly recognize their continued value via vital roles in our communities, and to rededicate our efforts to ensuring older Americans lead healthy, productive, and purposeful lives.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing May as "Older Americans Month" and calling upon public officials and the residents of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey to increase the public's awareness and understanding of the numerous contributions of New Jersey's older Americans and to rededicate our efforts to better serve the older Americans of New Jersey.
The contributions and
sacrifices that older Americans have made to this State and country are
immeasurable. It is fitting for younger generations to show immense respect
and gratitude to their elders, especially now, as society exits a pandemic that
has posed unique challenges for older Americans. Whether older Americans
retire in their fifties and sixties or continue working into their seventies
and eighties, it is important to revere their experience, wisdom, and
accomplishments in the workplace and in society. Ensuring the
State's continued commitment to causes that help older Americans in New Jersey enjoy active, productive, and healthy lives safely and with dignity is paramount. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate the month of May as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.
