RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-489

A resolution supporting the “Divided We Fail” effort.

WHEREAS, the opportunity to have access to health care and long-term financial security is a basic need that all Americans share, and it is the foundation for future generations; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council believes all Americans should have peace of mind about their future long-term financial security; and

WHEREAS, all Americans should have access to affordable health care, including prescription drugs, and these costs should not burden future generations; and

WHEREAS, wellness and prevention efforts, including changes in personal behavior such as diet and exercise, should be top national priorities; and

WHEREAS, Americans should have choices when it comes to long-term care — allowing them to maintain their independence at home or in their communities with expanded and affordable financing options; and

WHEREAS, our children and grandchildren should have an adequate quality of life when they retire. Social Security must be strengthened without burdening future generations; and

WHEREAS, workers should be provided with financial incentives to save, should have access to effective retirement plans, and should be able to keep working and contributing to society regardless of age; and

WHEREAS, Americans of all ages should have access to tools to help manage their finances, and save for the future and better, easy to understand information to help them increase their financial literacy and manage their money wisely; and

WHEREAS, individuals, businesses, health care providers, non-profit organizations, and government must work together to find solutions — personally, privately and publicly; and

WHEREAS, AARP, the Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business and the Service Employees International Union have committed to be champions for this new American Dream by launching Divided We Fail, an effort that engages millions of Americans to call their elected leaders to work together across party lines to provide action and answers on these issues.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as supporting the Divided We Fail effort, and urges our state and federal elected officials, as well as the Presidential candidates, to do the same.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen, to Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, to the Davidson County Congressional Delegation, to the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, and to the John McCain and Barack Obama campaigns.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Rip Ryman

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	October 7, 2008
Adopted:	October 7, 2008
Approved:	October 14, 2008
By: