House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 9, 2017 03:40 PM
From:	Representative Peter Schweyer
To:	All House members
Subject:	LGBT Senior Community Grant Program (Reintroduction)

In the near future, I plan to re-introduce legislation – House Bill 1576 of the 2015-16 Legislative Session – that would create the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Senior Community Grant Program within the Department of Aging. Under my proposal, grants would be awarded to non-profit organizations and county or municipal governments for health care, cultural competency, computer training and job placement, social activities and other programs that specifically target the LGBT senior community. My legislation would appropriate $500,000 from the Lottery Fund for this grant program. It is important to recognize that our LGBT seniors have very specific needs and these are challenges that are often unmet in existing services and programs within our communities. According to The Aging and Health Report – Disparities and Resilience among LGBT Older Adults (as published on the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging), this subset of our population is: More likely to experience higher rates of mental distress and depression than other seniors. Less likely to be partnered or married which may result in less social and financial support in their golden years. Concerned about mainstream services and programs due to the possibility of discrimination and prejudice. Every single member of this esteemed body has professed their concern about seniors and we all strive to enact laws that allow them to age in a healthy environment and with the utmost dignity. I believe that my legislation will address a serious shortfall in our senior services and ask for your co-sponsorship.

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