MARVIN MANDEL, Governor                       3037

(Senate Joint Resolution 50)
A Senate Joint Resolution concerning

Green Thumb Program

FOR the purpose of urging the Governor to participate in
the Green Thumb program, a national public service
employment program for elderly low income rural
people,

WHEREAS, Many of our senior citizens live in rural
areas of Maryland on incomes that are too low to keep
body and soul together.

WHEREAS, Job prospects for these people are rare.
Their bleak existence creates the feeling of uselessness
and rejection. Under these conditions their health
usually declines, bills pile up, and their situation
worsens.

WHEREAS, However, through the successful efforts of
the Green Thumbers, a public service employment program
for elderly low income rural people, sponsored by the
National Farmers Union, under a grant from the U.S.
Department of Labor, an opportunity for useful work,
extra income and a new start is provided.

WHEREAS, In the ranks of the Green Thumbers, the
elderly beautify highways, build parks, and carry out
community betterment and conservation projects. They
assist in strengthening existing community services and
provide special outreach services to help the aged,
shut—ins, and handicapped. Each worker works an average
of three days a week and may earn up to $1600 per year.

WHEREAS, Twenty—five states participate in the Green
Thumb program; Maryland does not. It is urgent that this
situation change so that our senior citizens can enjoy a
meaningful and prosperous life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That
the General Assembly urge the Governor to participate in
the Green Thumb program; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be sent to:
Governor Marvin Mandel, State House, Annapolis 21204;
Honorable J. Glenn Beall, Jr., 326 Old Senate Office
Bldg., Washington D.C.; Honorable Charles McC. Mathias,
460 Old Senate Office Bldg., Washington D.C; Honorable
Gilbert Gude, 332 Cannon House Office Bldg., Washington
D.C; Honorable Marjorie S. Holt, 1510 Longworth Bldg.,
Washington D.C; Honorable Lawrence J. Hogan, 1204
Longworth Bldg., Washington D.C; Honorable Robert E.