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CA

Bill

SJR 111

Designates May of each year as "Older Americans Month" in New Jersey.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Carmen Amato and 1 co-sponsor

Designates May as Older Americans Month in New Jersey and urges the Governor to issue an annual proclamation to honor and engage older residents.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
#commemoratio #srcitizens
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Bill Summary · SJR 111

Summary of SJR 111 (NJ)

Overview

SJR 111 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Senate on May 9, 2024. The bill designates May of each year as “Older Americans Month” in New Jersey, honors the contributions of older residents, and requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the month. The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Purpose and intent

  • Formal designation of May as “Older Americans Month” in New Jersey to honor older residents and recognize their ongoing contributions to the state’s social, civic, and economic fabric.
  • Reaffirm New Jersey’s commitment to ensuring older Americans live active, productive, healthy, and dignified lives.
  • Encourage public awareness and engagement through activities and programs that support older residents.

Key provisions

  1. Designation

    • The month of May in each year is designated as “Older Americans Month” in the State of New Jersey.
    • Purpose: to honor contributions of older individuals and recognize their vital roles in communities.

  2. Proclamation

    • The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing May as “Older Americans Month.”
    • The proclamation would call upon public officials and New Jersey residents to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.

  3. Effective date

    • The joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background context provided in the introduced version

  • Demographic context: In 2020, more than 55 million people in the U.S. were 65+, including about 1.5 million in New Jersey (roughly 17% of the state’s population).
  • Contributions of older Americans: Emphasizes ongoing involvement in volunteerism, the arts, civic engagement, workforce participation, and community leadership.
  • Workforce considerations: Notes that New Jersey’s older adult workforce participation rose from 18.1% (2020) to 37% (2022), the largest increase in the country.
  • Age discrimination and COVID-19: Cites prevalence of age discrimination and heightened vulnerability to severe illness from COVID-19 as factors shaping experiences of older adults.
  • Life expectancy: Cites increases in life expectancy (from 70.1 years in 1960 to 78.9 years, forecast to 85.3 years by 2060) to underscore the importance of supporting longer, active lives.

Who would be affected

  • Older Americans residing in New Jersey (the designation aims to honor and support them through heightened awareness and programming).
  • State and local government officials and agencies, which would be encouraged to participate in observances.
  • Community organizations, employers, and institutions that run events or programs for older residents.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Senate; referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
  • Related legislation: AJR 56 is the companion bill (likely to advance with parallel language in the Assembly).
  • No funding or mandatory program requirements are specified in the text; the bill is a naming and observance designation, with a Governor’s proclamation as the main actionable element.

Summary note

This is a designation and commemorative measure (a joint resolution) rather than new statewide programs or funding. It seeks to elevate awareness of Older Americans Month in New Jersey and to renew commitment to supporting healthier, more engaged aging in the state.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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