JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Dozens of bills are up for debate in Jefferson City, but lawmakers aren’t in session. Instead, a group of seniors is inside the House and Senate chambers, passing legislation.
The Missouri Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) was founded in 1973 and was the nation’s first after the Older Americans Act was amended to include advocacy groups. For 50 years, the group of Missouri seniors has been debating, amending and passing legislation, which turns into priorities sent to the General Assembly.
“To me, this is the highlight of the year,” Missouri SHL President John Kramer said. “To be able to be in the House and the Senate and make bills, pass or not pass, it’s just like being a regular representative or senator.”
The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.
(Story by Emily Manley, Kevin S. Held, ozarksfirst.com)