Senior Services Growth and Development Program passes Missouri legislature and becomes law on June 25.
Culminating a four-year effort to increase state funding for seniors, Lt Governor Mike Kehoe signed into law a bill to create a dedicated fund specifically for older adult services. The measure, part of Senate Bill 275 on health care, directs a small portion of the premium tax dollars the state collects from insurance companies to go toward assisting older adults. Moreover, the measure does so without adding any additional taxes nor taking away from funding already allocated to education or senior programs. The legislation establishes the “Senior Services Growth and Development Program” in the Department of Health and Senior Services and creates a dedicated fund within the State Treasurer’s Office that will be used to fund senior programs and services throughout the state. Programs eligible for such funding will be coordinated and implemented by Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging.
Advocates for older adults, including the Silver Haired Legislature, have made increasing funding for supportive services a priority for several years, as the state’s older adult population and demand for services have grown dramatically. The legislation received strong support from Lt. Governor Mike Kehoe, as well as lawmakers, including Senator David Sater of Cassville and Senator Wayne Wallingford and Representative Kathryn Swan, both of Cape Girardeau.
“The passage of this legislation is a direct result of the tireless efforts of our volunteer advocates and a commitment from Missouri’s elected officials to recognize the importance of supporting older Missourians. We are so thankful for each of them and appreciate their hard work to make this happen!” shared Jan Keith, Director of Community Engagement, with Aging Ahead.
For more information on this legislation or the Silver Haired Legislature, please email Jan at jkeith@agingahead.org