The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is made up of delegates elected by its peers in each county and serves as an advocate for key issues affecting Kansans age 60 and older.

Today, more than 600,000 residents in this age group live in Kansas, representing about 23% of the state’s population.

The KS SHL convened its 2025 Annual Legislative Session from Oct. 7-9 at the State Capitol in Topeka.

Priority issues for consideration were identified this summer through recommendations from delegates representing communities across the state and included:

• Preservation of Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors who need these critical programs
• Necessary transportation for seniors (particularly rural) through the Kansas Department of Transportation
• Assuring accessible voting options for seniors, particularly those with mobility and transportation challenges
• Medical Cannabis Access - Supporting Senate Bill 294, the Kansas Medical Cannabis Act
• Property tax relief for seniors During the legislative session, information on the noted priorities were presented to the delegates, whereas final decisions on the resolutions and bills to be presented to the Kansas Legislature were made.

On July 30, 2025, the KS SHL held its planning meeting in Salina. During this mtel:913-715-8860eeting, new officers were elected and include:

• President: Katy Hoffman, Johnson County
• First Vice President: Sherri Grogan, Leavenworth County
• Second Vice President: Mary Penrose, Johnson County
• Secretary: Donna Lehane, Sedgwick County
• Treasurer: Gary Scott, Johnson County
• Speaker: Leroy Burton, Butler County
• Speaker Pro Tempore: Chuck Schmidt, Sedgwick County
• Floor Leader: Jay Rowe, Mitchell County
• Assistant Floor Leader: Marvin Singleton, Johnson County

The KS SHL was formed in 1982 and is part of a national initiative created by an act of Congress in 1969. It is a volunteer organization and works closely with the 11 Area Agencies on Aging in Kansas.

Next COA meeting

The Commission on Aging will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 in the Johnson County Sunset Drive Office Building, 11811 S. Sunset Drive, Rooms 1070/1075, Olathe.

There will be no meeting in the month of December.

For more information, call 913-715-8860 or 800-766-3777 TDD or visit jocogov.org/coa.