2007 Assembly Joint Resolution 91
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending George F. Potaracke for his many years of service on behalf of older adults in the state of Wisconsin.
Whereas, on January 4, 2008, George F. Potaracke retired from public service after leading the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care since its creation in 1981; and
Whereas, under George's leadership for the past 26 years, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care has become a model of effective advocacy for older citizens of Wisconsin; and
Whereas, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care's Ombudsman Program has been extraordinarily successful in assisting long-term care facility residents to resolve problems, educate themselves, and plan for the future; and
Whereas, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care also is home to the Wisconsin Medigap Helpline, a free information and counseling service intended to help Medicare beneficiaries make wise insurance decisions; and
Whereas, in the 1970s, before leading the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, George served the public as a nursing home administrator, a director of an area agency on aging, and a social worker; and
Whereas, George successfully advocated in the legislature for many of the tools that he needed to make his agency's programs more effective; and
Whereas, George challenged and collaborated with the provider industry, insurance companies, and government over the way that long term care should be delivered in the latter part of the 20th century and into the next millennium; and
Whereas, George always gave generously of his time and talent to pass along his extensive knowledge and insight, lecturing in government agencies and schools of various disciplines throughout Wisconsin and becoming a trusted advisor to high-ranking members of local, state, and federal government; and
Whereas, George leaves a lasting legacy as a strong leader, effective advocate, and tireless worker whose efforts brought change to Wisconsin's long-term care system and improved the everyday of lives of older adults and their families; and
Resolved by the assembly, the senate concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin legislature commend George F. Potaracke on his career, dedication, accomplishments, and service to the citizens of Wisconsin; and, be it further
Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide George F. Potaracke with a copy of this joint resolution.
