PROCLAIMING WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2003 AS "SENIOR CITIZEN DAY AT THE LEGISLATURE"; DECLARING LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAMS AND IN-HOME CARE.

WHEREAS, the population of senior citizens sixty years of age and older will almost double by the year 2020; and

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

WHEREAS, New Mexico is blessed with a diverse population of senior citizens who require a variety of services and support; and

WHEREAS, the legislature is committed to providing those services to the senior citizens of New Mexico, along with senior grandparent programs, foster 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, senior citizens engage actively in the legislative process through direct testimony and support of legislation beneficial to them and other New Mexicans; and

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

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Wednesday, February 12, 2003 be declared "Senior Citizen Day at the Legislature" in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the house of representatives support senior citizen programs and express its desire to keep senior citizens vital, active and well in their own homes and communities.