Rep. Troy's Legislation to Designate May as Older Ohioans Month Passes Ohio Senate Unanimously

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) today was pleased to see his House Bill (HB) 173 designating May as Older Ohioans Month unanimously pass the Ohio Senate 30-0. HB 173 unanimously passed the Ohio House of Representatives in December 2023.

“Thank you to my colleagues for favorable passage of my legislation. I brought this legislation forward to encourage and recognize the countless contributions that older adults make in our state. Seniors have provided a lifetime of work, service, and countless contributions to our state and communities. As a society, we have a responsibility that our older citizens age with respect, dignity, and financial security,” said Rep. Troy.

The first proclamation recognizing Older Americans was issued by President John F. Kennedy 61 years ago. President Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens met to address the growing concerns of America’s 17 million individuals ages 65 and older. To honor and raise awareness for the problems affecting senior citizens, President Kennedy and the Council proclaimed May as “Senior Citizens Month” in 1963, but it became known as “Older Americans Month” in 1965.

“At that time, a third of seniors lived in poverty, and almost half were without health insurance. Since that first proclamation, legislators and leaders passed Medicare, strengthened Social Security, and important medical advancements were made to improve the lives of seniors. But as we know, there is more work to do,” said Rep. Troy.

Rep. Troy also sits on the Ohio Elder Abuse Commission. During his last term, he introduced legislation that increased penalties for failure to report elder abuse, and it passed thanks to his colleagues in the 134th General Assembly.

According to a University of Miami study, more than 1 in 4 Ohioans will be over the age of 60 by the year 2030. Almost every Ohio county is expected to see an increase in the share of population over the age of 65. Baby boomers make up the largest generation of older adults in US history.

The Ohio Senate added an amendment to HB 173 so it now returns to the Ohio House for hopeful concurrence by that body.