ADOPTED SENATE

WHEREAS, the Aging and Developmental Disabilities Coalition has worked since the beginning of the year 2000 to educate and raise the consciousness of persons with developmental disabilities and their families, providers, and communities about the issues relating to aging and developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, all Georgia citizens are living longer, with the life span for persons with developmental disabilities being 20 years of age in 1900 and increasing to 66 years of age in the year 2000; and

WHEREAS, Georgia desires to be proactive in addressing the needs of our growing population of aging individuals with and without developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, persons with developmental disabilities often experience the process of aging earlier than others in the general population and find themselves ineligible for necessary supports due to their age; and

WHEREAS, difficulties currently exist for caregivers, families, and persons with developmental disabilities in accessing information and services carried out by stable, well-trained, long-term care staff in the two networks of aging and developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, meeting the needs of persons with developmental disabilities who are aging will require a collaboration between all stakeholders, including persons with developmental disabilities and their families, providers, and communities; and

WHEREAS, the examination of current barriers in the existing system that prevent transition through the stages of life without disruption of services, support, and funding for aging persons and persons with developmental disabilities will help Georgia better address the needs of such persons.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that there is created the Senate Study Committee on Aging and Developmental Disabilities to be composed of five members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Assignments. The Senate Committee on Assignments shall designate a member of the Senate who shall serve as chairperson of the committee. The committee shall meet at the call of the chairperson.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this initiative shall be called "Aging for All."

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any actions or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate. The committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution. The members of the committee shall receive the allowances authorized for legislative members of interim legislative committees but shall receive the same for not more than five days unless additional days are authorized. The funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from the funds appropriated to the Senate. The committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation or administrative action, and present them to the Governor and the appropriate legislative committees on or before December 31, 2004. The committee shall stand abolished on December 31, 2004.