The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is an important group of advocates in the state of Kansas. It’s composed of 125 representatives from across the state who work on behalf of adults 60 years and older during their two-year term.
The KSHL develops bills and resolutions which are presented to the Kansas Legislature and governor as recommendations for state policy. It also provides an educational experience in the political process for participants.
All are over 60 and are elected from the counties where they live. Most counties have a single representative except for Wyandotte, Johnson, Shawnee and Sedgwick counties, which have five additional delegates.
Several individuals in our tri-county area have expressed interest in serving in the 2023-2024 KSHL. This year, none of KSHL seats in our area are contested so there will be no election required. Appointments can still be made to the seats that are vacant.
Here are the candidates:
Sedgwick County
District 1 — Charlie King. Areas of interest include the legalization of marijuana, fully funding KPERS, expanding Medicaid, better local public transportation for older Kansans, protecting Medicare and the environment.
District 2 — Vacant
District 3 — Vacant
District 4 — Jeanne Shove. Areas of interest include advancing legislation that would improve the well-being of older Kansans and offer affordable, convenient transportation.
District 5 — Donna Lehane. Areas of interest include supporting older Kansans so they have a voice in the issues that affect them the most
At-large — Chuck Schmidt. Areas of interest include serving in the KSHL and advocating for older Kansans.
Butler County
Leroy Burton. Areas of interest include reducing property tax, eliminating sales tax on food and making high-speed internet affordable.
Harvey County
Vacant
Your donations can help fund the KSHL’s advocacy efforts. Representatives are volunteers whose advocacy efforts are funded through their own contributions and donations. Expenses include travel to the annual conference for KSHL delegates, accommodations and educational materials. Donations can be sent to CPAAA (Central Plains Area Agency on Aging), 271 W. 3rd st N., Suite 500, Wichita, KS 67202. Checks should be made out to KSHL.
Call 1-800-432-3924 to be added to CPAAA’s advocacy email list. Call 1-855-200-2372 for information on the KSHL and other programs or visit www.cpaaa.org.
Monica Cissell is director of information and community services for CPAAA.
