Advocacy
The 50th Annual Conference of the Silver Haired Legislature took place at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City on October 17, 18, and 19. The 90 delegates in attendance chose their Top Five Priorities and formulated plans to advocate for senior issues during the coming legislative session.
After spirited debates in the Legislative chambers, the delegates chose these issues as their Top Five Priorities for the 2024 legislative session. See them listed in their entirety below.
Silver-Haired Legislature 2024: Top Five Legislative Priorities
Increased Funding for Transportation to Provide Additional Options for Seniors
Increased Accessibility to Public Buildings for Individuals with Disabilities
Required Special Dementia Training in Long-Term Care Facilities
Increase the Medicaid Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) to $100 Per Month with an Inflation Rider
Money Recovered by MO HealthNet to be Returned to the MO HealthNet Program
Anyone interested in learning further details about the priorities of the Silver Haired Legislature is encouraged to call or email Debbie Blessing, SHL Coordinator, at 660-665-4682 or debbie@nemoaaa.com or SHL Delegate, Andy Jackson, at 660-349-0988 or andyjack@marktwain.net.
Missouri’s Silver Haired Legislature was founded in 1973, the first in the nation after the Older Americans Act was amended to include advocacy groups. The SHL is composed of fifteen volunteers from each of the ten statewide Area Agencies on Aging. These 150 senior advocates, elected by their peers, identify and advocate for issues critical to older Missourians.
SHL Events:
Annual Advocacy Day at the Missouri State Capitol: Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
