Date: October 2, 2006
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbara.conant@aging.ks.gov
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature convenes this week in Topeka for its 24th annual session. The unicameral body of volunteers, age 60 and older, will meet for three days at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Center, 420 S.E. 6th Ave., Topeka.
“We applaud the members of Silver Haired Legislature for their active participation in the legislative process. Their advocacy efforts create greater awareness among policy makers about issues important to seniors,” said Kathy Greenlee, Acting Secretary of the Kansas Department of Aging. Greenlee will welcome to the Silver Haired Legislators to Topeka on Wednesday.
The members arrive on Tuesday for an afternoon training session on legislative procedures and working with legislators.
During opening ceremonies at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh will administer the oath of office to Silver Haired Legislators. Committees will then meet to hear testimony on legislative initiatives to be proposed to the 2007 Kansas Legislature. The group will meet as a committee of the whole from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Final disposition of the legislative proposals will take place Thursday, beginning at 8 a.m., with adjournment set for 1:30 p.m.
Among topics to be considered this year are expansion of long-term care ombudsman services, and proposals for funding senior services.
The purpose of the Silver Haired Legislature, which is funded by donations and volunteer help, is to educate members about the political process, inform the public and the Kansas Legislature on concerns of the elderly and involve seniors in the legislative process.