West Virginia Press Association Staff Report
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Through Tuesday’s unanimous adoption of SR 48, the Senate honored AARP West Virginia for their “many contributions that they and their volunteers provide to enhance our state and its people.”
As explained in the resolution, introduced on Monday by Sen. Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, “AARP West Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization representing close to 230,000 West Virginians and 38 million individuals nationwide who are 50 years of age and older.”
The resolution further states that, “AARP is a committed advocate working on behalf of its members on national and state issues by actively participating with the West Virginia Legislature and representing the interests of senior West Virginians and their families.”
The capitol building’s upper rotunda hosted AARP West Virginia on Tuesday, as representatives and volunteers with the organization were on hand to provide information and explain services. Representatives of AARP West Virginia were also present in the Senate Chamber during Takubo’s explanation of the resolution.
“West Virginians that are 50-years and older contribute billions annually to our state economy,” Takubo said. “And (they’re) helping to drive future economic growth in the Mountain State by reinvesting the money earned over a lifetime of hard work in our businesses and local communities.”
“Policy makers, business leaders, and elected officials must ensure the programs and policies are in place to support and grow the economic engine that is the 50-years-plus West Virginia population,” Takubo continued. “The Senate recognizes the contributions of AARP West Virginia. […] We commend AARP and their volunteers for their dedicated service, diligent advocacy, and important contributions in AARP’s work to improve the quality of life for all West Virginians as they age.”
The full resolution states:
Whereas, AARP West Virginia is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization representing close to 230,000 West Virginians and 38 million individuals nationwide who are 50 years of age and older; and
Whereas, AARP is a committed advocate working on behalf of its members on national and state issues by actively participating with the West Virginia Legislature and representing the interests of senior West Virginians and their families; and
Whereas, Elderly West Virginians play a critical role in the state’s economic growth, as this age group’s households account for 60 cents of every dollar spent in the Mountain State. These economic contributions will increase as our state’s population ages; and
Whereas, 50+plus West Virginians contribute billions annually to our state economy, helping to drive future economic growth in the Mountain State by reinvesting the money earned over a lifetime of hard work in our businesses and local communities; and
Whereas, The market activities of West Virginia’s 50+plus population are expected to support more than 429,000 jobs in West Virginia by 2030, driving employment growth across all age groups and industries; and
Whereas, In addition to their economic contributions, our older West Virginians actively participate daily to our communities and families, engaging in vital activities like volunteering and caregiving for children, grandchildren and adults; and
Whereas, As the Mountain State’s older workers transition to retirement, financial security matters to individual retirees and to our state’s economy as a whole, and AARP is working to ensure that all West Virginians have a brighter and more secure financial future; and
Whereas, AARP, its volunteers and members provide an important face and voice for 50+plus West Virginians and their families, connecting with lawmakers throughout the year on the development of policies and laws that affect all those living and working in the Mountain State; and
Whereas, Policymakers, business leaders and elected officials must ensure that programs and policies are in place to support and grow the economic engine that is the 50+plus West Virginia population; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes AARP of West Virginia and the many contributions they and their volunteers provide to the enhancement of our state and its people; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate commends AARP West Virginia and its volunteers for their dedicated service and important contributions to AARP’s work to improve the quality of life for all West Virginians as they age; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate hereby extends its sincere appreciation and gratitude to AARP West Virginia for its diligent advocacy and education efforts that raise awareness around the important issues affecting older West Virginians and their families.