Reps. Shulman, Spade, Accavitti, Acciavatti, Adamini, Amos, Bieda, Casperson, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hopgood, Hune, Koetje, Kolb, Law, Meyer, Milosch, Minore, O'Neil, Phillips, Richardville, Sak, Shaffer, Sheltrown, Taub, Tobocman, Vagnozzi, Wojno, Woodward, Zelenko, Byrum, Caul, Condino, Newell, Pappageorge, Pastor, Rocca, Stakoe, Stewart and Tabor offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 263.

            A resolution recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B on May 19, 2004, and acknowledging its proud service to older adults residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties.

            Whereas, Following the 1973 amendments to the federal Older Americans Act, United Community Services of Metropolitan Detroit received endorsements from the state of Michigan and six county commission boards to establish an area agency on aging; and

            Whereas, The Area Agency on Aging 1-B was established as a nonprofit agency dedicated to maintaining the independence, dignity, and quality of life of older adults, family caregivers, and adults with disabilities residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw  counties by supporting a comprehensive service delivery system and providing access to community-based care; and

            Whereas, In 1987, the Area Agency on Aging 1-B became an independent nonprofit entity to serve as a single point of access to care for individuals 60 years of age and older, their caregivers, and disabled adults; and

            Whereas, May 19, 2004, represents the agency’s thirty-year anniversary of community service.  They are dedicated to assessing the needs of older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities and linking them with needed community-based long-term care services. They also coordinate activities with other public and private organizations, giving priority in planning and administering services and programs to those individuals with greatest social and economic need. The Area Agency on Aging 1-B develops new services and programs to address the needs of older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities.  In addition, they allocate federal and state funding for social, nutritional, and long-term care services, and educate and advocate on issues of concern to older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities. The Area Agency on Aging 1-B ensure that older adults, caregivers, and adults with disabilities have access to information regarding available resources and their rights to benefits for which they may be entitled; and

            Whereas, The Area Agency on Aging 1-B has been a leader in advocating for public policy changes that will offer Medicaid long-term care consumers a choice of quality care options and support the provision of care in the least restrictive setting; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body recognize the 30th anniversary of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B on May 19, 2004, and its proud service to older adults residing in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Washtenaw counties.