Silver-Haired Legislature convenes

Page 2 • June 2022 • Golden Gazette

10 things you can do to help families with hospitalized kids

Donate by visiting www.rmhcsouthwest.com.

Come Play Golf at the Rawls, Thursday Aug. 11, call 806-744-8877. Collect aluminum cans and bring them to 3414 10th.

Select RMHC of the Southwest on Amazon Smile & every order will benefit families. Round up your McDonald’s order or drop your change in the drive through. Gather items like household goods, toiletries and individual drinks and snacks for families.

Become a Guest Chef with family or friends and prepare a homecooked meal. Invite RMHC of the Southwest staff members to speak to your community groups. Follow RMHC of the Southwest on Social Media and share daily posts and download the RMHC App. Become a regular volunteer, RMHC welcomes anyone 14 years & up & groups.

9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

We need your help! Please call us at 806-744-8877

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Southwest 3413 10th St. • Lubbock www.rmhcsouthwest.com

Silver-Haired Legislature convenes in Austin to discuss resolutions, concerns

The 19th Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) convened on the fl oor of the House of Representatives in Austin, Texas in May.

More than 60 delegates from the 28 Districts (Area Agency on Aging) in Texas met in Austin to debate and vote on resolutions affecting older Texans.

South Plains District is a nonpartisan, volunteer group that advocates for seniors who represent the South Plains Area Agency on Aging. Members include Dolores Garcia, Cathy Pope, Pat Quattromani, David Kunselman, and Joan Blackmon. The four-plus-day biennial meeting was held to discuss, debate and ultimately vote on resolutions to present to the Texas Legislature for consideration.

Topics discussed included pension plans and COLA for the Teacher Retirement System and Employee Retirement System of Texas, increasing personal needs allowance for Medicaid recipients in nursing homes, more inclusive criminal background checks for health care workers in nursing facilities, and aid for seniors raising their grandchildren. Approved resolutions will be provided to all

Members of the South Plains District served as delegates to the 19th Texas Silver-Haired Legislature in May. Pictured are Pat Quattromani, David Kunselman, and Joan Blackmon.

Texas Legislators, as well as to the Governor and Lt. Governor, in advance of the 2023 State session.

The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is a non-partisan body created by the 69th Texas Legislature with the adoption of SCR 37, on April 3, 1985. Since its inception, some 700 seniors have been elected to serve in TSHL.

The vision of TSHL is that “the applied wisdom, energy, and experience of aging will improve the lives of all Texans through education, knowledge, and involvement in legislation and governmental aff airs.” With more than 5 million residents over age 60, Texas’ older population is larger than the entire state population of two dozen states. This group is evolving and diverse. Groups like the Texas Silver Haired Legislature stands as a reminder of how state government can work with and for the citizens of Texas. For more information about TSHL, contact the South Plains Area Agency on Aging at 806-762-8721.