LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of New York
StateWide Senior Action Council

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of New York StateWide Senior Action Council,
to be celebrated at a Gala on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, in Saratoga
Springs, New York; and
WHEREAS, New York StateWide Senior Action Council is a grassroots
membership organization made up of individual senior citizens and senior
citizen clubs from all parts of New York State; it was organized in 1972
from War on Poverty funds with the goal of developing a statewide organ-
ization of older New Yorkers who could advocate for their interests and
needs regarding services, programs and policies affecting older persons;
StateWide's unique history and role has been to focus on the needs of
the underprivileged and minority seniors; and
WHEREAS, With other advocacy organizations and service providers
across the nation, StateWide has helped build a very successful and
cost-effective aging network over the past three decades; this has
reduced the number of senior citizens living in poverty by over 50%,
allowed seniors to remain in their communities, dramatically increased
quality of life, and has avoided costly institutionalization as the only
alternative for long-term care; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, StateWide has worked on a
number of issues and provided training and educational workshops
throughout the state; in the 1980s, the organization played a key role
in advocating for laws ending mandatory retirement and enacting the
Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program; and
WHEREAS, StateWide also began operating its Patient's Rights Helpline
to assist consumers with questions and complaints about hospital
patients' rights and other health issues; it continues to be at the
forefront of the debate to ensure strong protections in hospitals, nurs-
ing homes, and other community based health care delivery systems; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of New York StateWide Senior Action
Council; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to New York StateWide Senior Action Council.