The 52nd Annual Conference of the Silver Haired Legislature took place in Columbia on October 14, 15, and 16. The 62 delegates in attendance chose their Top Five Priorities and formulated plans to advocate for senior issues during the coming legislative session.
After spirited debates in the Legislative chambers, the delegates chose these issues as their Top Five Priorities for the 2026 legislative session:
· Foot Care Funding
· Increase the Medicaid Personal Needs Allowance (PNA)with an Inflation Rider
· Resident Dwelling Accessibility Tax Credit (DAT)
· Real Property Tax Exemption for Veterans with a 100% VA Rated Service- Connected Disability
· Modify Eligibility for Aged and Disabled Medicaid
Also, a big congratulations to our newly elected Missouri SHL President, Patricia Bowers, from the Aging Ahead delegation! Her leadership and commitment to advocacy will help guide SHL forward as they prepare for another impactful year. Below is the list of newly elected officers.
President Patricia Bowers
1st Vice President Janet Baker
2nd Vice President Peggy Don Yates
Secretary Mary Kramer
Treasurer Thomas Eyssell
Immediate Past President John Kramer
If you would like to view pictures from the session: the DHSS Flickr account to view photos of the event https://www.flickr.com/photos/49879968@N04/albums/72177720329716434/
Thank you to all of the SHL delegates for your energy, insight, and continued passion for making Missouri a better place to age. We’re so proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of volunteer advocates!
To learn more about the SHL, please visit AgingAhead.org or email info@agingahead.org