Bill Text: CA ACR176 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Chaptered
Bill Title: National Caregivers Day.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-06-25 - Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 28, Statutes of 2020. [ACR176 Detail]
Download: California-2019-ACR176-Chaptered.html
Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 176
CHAPTER 28
Relative to National Caregivers Day.
[
Filed with
Secretary of State
June 25, 2020.
]
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
ACR 176, Reyes.
National Caregivers Day.
This measure would recognize February 21, 2020, as National Caregivers Day, encourage all Californians to lift up those who work tirelessly to advance the health and wellness of the physically and mentally unwell in our societies, and encourage those who choose to be caregivers.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee: NOBill Text
WHEREAS, National Caregivers Day was founded by the Providers Association for Home Health and Hospice Agencies in 2015; and
WHEREAS, National Caregivers Day was first observed on February 19, 2016, and is annually observed on the third Friday in February; and
WHEREAS, A caregiver provides a broad range of assistance for an older person, an adult, or a child with a chronic or disabling condition; and
WHEREAS, Although some caregivers are trained professionals who receive payment, most caregivers in the United States are family caregivers who may be a relative, partner, friend, or neighbor who has a significant personal relationship with the individual receiving care and who provides their services for free while simultaneously working another job; and
WHEREAS, National Caregivers Day recognizes and honors those individuals dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care and services every day; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers are made up of a diverse range of racial and ethnic groups, ages, genders, and socioeconomic groups; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers also serve diverse populations, with the majority serving seniors who require assistance; and
WHEREAS, A 2017 report by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) titled “Valuing the Invaluable” found that there are an estimated 41,000,000 family caregivers in the United States who provide an estimated 34 billion hours of care to an adult with limitations in daily activities; and
WHEREAS, According to the same report, the estimated economic value of their unpaid contributions was approximately $470 billion; and
WHEREAS, In 2017, throughout California, 4,450,000 caregivers provided more than 4.1 billion hours of care for an estimated total economic value of $57.7 billion; and
WHEREAS, In California, the number of people 60 years of age and older continues to grow rapidly, and between 1970 and 2016, the number of older adults in the state grew from 2,500,000 to 7,800,000, a 212-percent increase; and
WHEREAS, According to the Public Policy Institute of California, by 2030, the population of individuals over 65 years of age will grow by 4,000,000 people and more than 1,000,000 of them will require some assistance with self-care; and
WHEREAS, Caregivers also provide care to the state’s over 60,000 children and youth in foster care; and
WHEREAS, Devoted military caregivers support members of our Armed Forces when they return home and face disabling physical injury or mental illness; and
WHEREAS, Caregiving responsibilities fall more heavily on women, many of whom are older with health problems of their own; and
WHEREAS, Fifty-nine percent of California caregivers are women; and
WHEREAS, Sixty percent of female caregivers report high levels of physical strain, and 41 percent of female caregivers report high levels of emotional stress as a result of their caregiving; and
WHEREAS, The Legislature has taken steps to better serve the needs of caregivers by enacting policy that supports workplace flexibility and income stability, including paid family leave, unemployment insurance for family caregivers, and paid sick days; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes February 21, 2020, as National Caregivers Day; and be it further
Resolved, On National Caregivers Day, the Legislature reaffirms its support for those who sacrifice their time and resources to provide essential care for family, friends, and neighbors in challenging times; and be it further
Resolved, That the individuals who selflessly prioritize the care of their loved ones show incredible generosity and compassion every day, and the Legislature will continue to support their caregiving efforts; and be it further
Resolved, That on National Caregivers Day and every day, the Legislature encourages all Californians to lift up those who work tirelessly to advance the health and wellness of the physically and mentally unwell in our societies and to encourage those who choose to be caregivers; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
