Bill Text: NJ SJR75 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week."
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2015-11-16 - Reported from Senate Committee, 2nd Reading [SJR75 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-SJR75-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator JAMES BEACH
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
SYNOPSIS
Designates fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week."
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating the fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week."
Whereas, There are approximately 5.5 million civilian, voluntary caregivers of wounded, disabled and otherwise injured veterans; and
Whereas, These spouses, parents, friends and sometimes children of veterans often take care of their loved ones to their own detriment, suffering loss of income, with 28 percent of post-9/11 caregivers giving up employment to care for a service member; and
Whereas, Approximately 60 percent of post-9/11 caregivers also are employed and must maintain employment while taking care of their loved ones; and
Whereas, Military caregivers tend to be younger than civilian informal caregivers, often meaning that the length of time that care is provided by military caregivers is longer than the time by civilian caregivers, increasing the burden placed upon military caregivers; and
Whereas, Many of these caregivers spend more than 40 hours per week providing care to veterans, and they often miss as many as three or four days a month of work due to caregiving duties; and
Whereas, Many military caregivers experience a deterioration of their own health and well-being, as they tend to reduce their own healthy behaviors, such as attending their own medical or dental appointments and exercising; and
Whereas, As many as two-thirds of all military caregivers may suffer from some type of emotional stress and nearly 40 percent of these caregivers are at risk for a major depression disorder; and
Whereas, Military caretakers also face social isolation, both due to the lack of time these individuals have for themselves, as well as feeling as though they can no longer relate to non-caregivers; and
Whereas, More than 53 percent of post-9/11 caregivers have no support network, formal or otherwise, upon which they can rely; and
Whereas, To duplicate the home health care and medical aide services provided by these voluntary military caregivers would cost taxpayers $3 billion annually; and
Whereas, Up to 30 percent of those deployed related to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may have experienced a traumatic brain injury or meet the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder or depression; and
Whereas, Providing support and resources for the individuals who care for injured veterans helps ensure that the needs of veterans are being adequately met, and the country owes a great debt of gratitude to both these veterans and caregivers; and
Whereas, Raising awareness as to the challenges and burdens these caregivers endure may lead to improved support systems and greater accessibility to other resources; and
Whereas, The United States Senate designated March 4, 2013 to March 8, 2013 as "Military and Veterans Caregiver Week" to honor military caregivers; and
Whereas, It is entirely fitting and appropriate, and in the public interest, to designate the fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week" to honor these individuals and raise awareness as to the challenges they face; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The fourth week of March of each year is designated as "Military Caregivers Week" to honor military caregivers and raise awareness as to the many challenges they face.
2. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation and call upon public officials, and all citizens of this State, to observe "Military Caregivers Week" with appropriate programs and events.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution honors the 5.5 million voluntary, civilian caregivers of the military and veterans in the United States by designating the fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week."
The spouses, parents, children friends, neighbors and others providing voluntary caregiving services to the military and veterans have taken on a tremendous amount of responsibility, often with little appreciation or support. The work of these individuals, if duplicated, would represent roughly $3 billion in home healthcare and medical aide services. In fact, 53 percent of post 9/11 military caregivers report that they have no support network of any kind. The combination of the extensive time commitment to these caregiving duties as well as the lack of a support system often leads to social isolation for many military caregivers.
There is no doubt that not only are these caregivers committing themselves to the truly noble cause of maintaining the well-being of those who have served in the United States military, but also that they are saving the United States government substantial costs in caring for the military and veterans. While much attention is deservedly paid to the nation's military and veterans, those voluntarily providing care to the military and veterans are often overlooked.
The sponsor hopes that by designating the fourth week of March of each year as "Military Caregivers Week," more people will understand and appreciate the work and sacrifices made by military caregivers. Honoring and recognizing the invaluable services provided to the military and veterans may lead to greater support and resources for these caregivers.
