PROCLAIMING FRIDAY, JANUARY 25, 2002, TO BE "SENIOR DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE"; DECLARING LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR SENIOR PROGRAMS AND IN-HOME CARE.

WHEREAS, more than one of every ten New Mexicans is over the age of sixty-five, and New Mexico's senior population is growing faster than the senior population in forty-one other states; and

WHEREAS, more than seventy thousand New Mexican veterans are now over the age of sixty and were called upon to defend the United States of America and the freedom of all American citizens in wars fought far from home in distant lands; and

WHEREAS, seniors living in their own homes in their own communities in New Mexico have always made and continue to make important contributions to the economic, social and spiritual well-being of those communities; and

WHEREAS, in spite of these important contributions to society, many seniors live in poverty and require support services so that they may live comfortably; and

WHEREAS, most seniors would prefer to remain in their homes rather than move into institutional long-term care but require services to help them remain at home; and

WHEREAS, the array of programs that help the state's seniors remain in their homes and participate in their communities include transportation to health care, shopping and community events; delivery of hot meals and housekeeping services; visiting health care services; mobile clinics for diagnosis and prevention and care for common illnesses experienced by seniors; respite care for home care providers; and other essential services; and

WHEREAS, the legislature is committed to providing these services to the seniors in New Mexico, along with senior grandparent programs and retired senior volunteer programs; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has matched federal dollars coming to the state at a rate of three state dollars to one federal dollar; and

WHEREAS, seniors engage actively in the legislative process through direct testimony and support of legislation beneficial to them; and

WHEREAS, the legislature has long supported the unique tradition of a "citizen legislature" that encourages the involvement of New Mexico residents, including its seniors, in the legislative process;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 25, 2002 be declared "Senior Day at the Legislature" in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the senate support senior programs and by this memorial express its desire to keep senior citizens vital, active and well in their own homes and communities.