The Active Age
The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature has released its list of priorities for the 2026 Kansas legislative session. They include the legalization of medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion and more money for senior-related services.
In a news release, the KSHL said it’s clear that a majority of Kansans support most of these priorities, based on results of the most recent “Kansas Speaks” survey conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State.
“These (survey) results show what Kansans have been saying for years — they want action,” said Leroy Burton of El Dorado, KSHL’s Speaker of the House. “Medical marijuana, Medicaid expansion and stronger senior care all have widespread support.”
KSHL, a volunteer organization that advocates on behalf of seniors, meets at the Kansas State Capitol each fall to pass resolutions that it then presents to state lawmakers.
Its priorities for 2026 are:
• Support for Senate Bill 294, legalizing the cultivation, processing and use of medical cannabis.
• Support for SB 215 or similar legislation providing property tax relief for seniors.
• Expanding Medicaid to more participants, including an estimated 14,000 aged 60 to 65.
• Opposing any legislation that would restrict voting rights.
• Support for community-based transportation systems across the state.
The “Kansas Speaks” survey found that 70 percent of residents legalizing medical marijuana and expanding Medicaid and 77 percent favor money for senior-related services. Property tax relief and voting rights were not covered in the survey.
