It’s not every day that you can sit down, face-to-face, with a panel of state legislators and tell them exactly what ails you. Not what physically ails you, but the concerns you have regarding day-to-day issues related to aging and all things elderly in the Great Lakes State. The good news is that you have one of those days coming up on the other side of this weekend.
On Monday, April 9th, seniors, caregivers and others interested in all senior issues are invited to meet with state elected officials at 1:30 in the afternoon for the 11th Annual Tri-County Older Michiganians Day Legislative Forum at Region IV Area Agency on Aging in St. Joseph.
At Monday’s event, advocates will urge state legislators to adopt strategies to prioritize support for older adults. As Christine Vanlandingham says, “This event brings together seniors, caregivers and advocates from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties to meet with their state representatives and senators to discuss critical issues facing seniors.” Vanlandingham is a Steering Committee Member for the Older Michiganians Day event, and also serves as Fund and Product Development Officer for the Region IV Area Agency on Aging.
Invited legislators include State Representatives Beth Griffin, Kim LaSata, Aaron Miller and Dave Pagel as well as Senators John Proos and Tonya Schuitmaker. Legislators in attendance will meet with seniors and other advocates at the local forum to discuss the group’s legislative platform and to answer questions from those in attendance.
Vanlandingham says, “The advocates will make a strong case for the adoption of new policies, strategic use of state funds, and the implementation of strategies to better leverage the resources that we have at our disposal to meet the needs of older adults.”
The Older Michiganians Day platform asks for legislative action to protect vulnerable seniors by:
- Making Michigan a No-Wait State for senior in-home services such as home delivered meals, respite for caregivers, personal care and other in-home services
- Increasing options for home and community-based long-term care instead of more costly institutional care
- Prioritizing funding for adult protective services workers to prevent Elder Abuse
- Addressing direct care workforce issues.
The Platform can be viewed online at www.oldermichiganiansday.org.
Monday’s Legislative Forum is free to attend, and no tickets are required. The event will take place at the Region IV Area Agency on Aging offices located at 2900 Lakeview Avenue in St. Joseph. For additional information you can contact Christine Vanlandingham at (800) 442-2803.
The photo accompanying this story on Moody on the Market.com shows a similar legislative forum at the agency conducted last spring in St. Joe.
