[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 18 (Monday, May 8, 2000)]
[Pages 975-976]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7301--Older Americans Month, 2000

 May 2, 2000

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Older Americans are a treasured link to our past. With courage, hard 
work, and unwavering devotion to family, community, and country, our 
older citizens helped to make the 20th century the American century. 
They preserved our freedom through the crucible of World War II; opposed 
Communist aggression in Korea and through the long, dark years of the 
Cold War; marched for labor reform and civil rights; raised their 
families, volunteered in their communities, and often postponed their 
own dreams to fulfill the dreams of their children. Their character, 
values, and patriotism laid the foundation for the peace and prosperity 
we enjoy today.
    Older Americans have indeed contributed much to the story of our 
past; and they have much still to offer our future. Today, people are 
living longer, more active, and more independent lives than ever before, 
and one in four Americans between the ages of 65 and 69 has a job, 
either part-time or full-time. Many older Americans want to work, are 
able to work, and have skills and experience that businesses need in 
today's booming economy.
    Recognizing the changing role of older men and women in our society, 
this year the Congress unanimously passed, and I was pleased to sign 
into law, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act of 2000, which ushers

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in a new era of opportunity for older Americans. Before passage of this 
landmark legislation, seniors who continued to work after age 65 risked 
having some of their Social Security benefits withheld until they 
stopped working or turned 70 years old. By eliminating this confusing 
and outdated retirement earnings test, the new legislation will ensure 
that millions of older workers who wish to continue working will be able 
to keep their full Social Security benefits regardless of their age or 
earning level.
    It is appropriate that we enact this new law in the year when we 
celebrate the 65th anniversary of Social Security and the 35th 
anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. Millions 
of older citizens have been assisted by these programs, and, as the baby 
boom generation ages, millions more will be relying on them in this new 
century.
    To recognize the profound debt our Nation owes its older citizens, 
and to prepare wisely for the impact that increasing longevity will have 
on nearly every aspect of our society in the coming years, we must 
reaffirm our commitment to saving Social Security, strengthening 
Medicare--including a prescription drug benefit--and modernizing, 
improving, and reauthorizing the Older Americans Act. We must also enact 
my Administration's long-term care initiative, which, among other 
important measures, provides tax relief and support services to the 
millions of family caregivers who devote countless hours to helping 
older loved ones remain in their homes and communities. By doing so, we 
can both honor the immeasurable contributions that older men and women 
bring to our national life and ensure that they lead independent, 
active, fulfilling lives for many years to come.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton,  President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2000 
as Older Americans Month. I urge Government officials, business people, 
community leaders, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the 
United States to celebrate the contributions older Americans have made, 
and continue to make, to the progress and prosperity of our Nation.
    In Witness Whereof,  I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of 
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.
                                            William J. Clinton

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 3, 2000]

 Note:  This proclamation was published in the  Federal Register  on May 
4.