The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature convened its 2024 statewide meeting from Oct. 8-10 in the Kansas House of Representatives chamber of the State Capitol at Topeka.

SHL is a formally elected body of citizens 60 years and older who promote conscientious legislative advocacy for older adults. All members are volunteers who serve without pay. Every county in Kansas is authorized one representative, with the most populated counties having five additional.

Committees of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature reviewed issues previously selected by the statewide SHL, heard speakers regarding the recommended issues and approved or recommended changes in proposed resolutions. The proposals were then presented to the body at- large and will be presented to elected Kansas senators and representatives during the Kansas Legislature. The 2025 session begins Jan. 13.

The identified issues include:

• KPERS Adjustment
• Medicaid Expansion
• Medical Cannabis
• Senior Care Act
• Senior Transportation

SHL provides scholarships to nursing students desiring to work in geriatrics. Three recipients were chosen for 2024/2025, including Jenna Soule from Overland Park who is attending Kansas Wesleyan University. The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature advocates for older adults and works in conjunction with the Area Agencies on Aging. Johnson County SHL members include:

• Katy Hoffman, chair, kmrhoffman@gmail.com
• Gary Scott, vice chair, scottskufhsu@gmail.com
• Mary Calhoun, merrileee517@yahoo.com
• Norman Kahn, nkahn@gmail.com
• Mary Penrose, penrose.mary@gmail.com
• David Wood, wowowoody@earthlink.net

Members of the Johnson County SHL delegation welcome hearing from local residents.