Allen to participate in Kansas Silver Haired Legislature

Local resident Ottis Allen may be retired from the workforce, but he is definitely not retired from the political world.

On Oct. 1-3, Allen will travel to Topeka as a member of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature. Although this will only be Allen's fourth year to participate in this event, this year will mark the 25th session of the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature, according to a written statement.

The political organization advocates for senior citizens. Allen will spend the three days in Topeka learning about the new legislature that pertains to senior citizens. After he returns home, he will be able to talk with other local seniors about these bills, he said.

During the 2007 Kansas Silver Haired Legislature meeting coming up in October, the organization's members will discuss and give recommendations to several potential bills, a written statement from the organization said.

"Insurance...in concerning the mandatory reinstatement of insurance policies for those 65 and older for up to a six-month deferment on premiums in certain cases relating to health, both physical and mental. Request of a percentage of monies which may be raised from the new casino tax dollars and this to be placed in a Senior Trust Fund to be administered by the Kansas Department on Aging. Resolutions supporting a geriatric mental health act and establishing a geriatric service program...support of a possible KPERS (Kansas Retired Employees-- government and academic) cost of living adjustment (COLA)... and in support of eliminating predatory lending practices and advanced income tax payment practices affecting older citizens in Kansas," the statement said.

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is comprised of individuals who are age 60 and older. These individuals are elected by their peers to "develop bills and resolutions that are of interest to Kansas seniors and their families," according to the written statement.

Allen said that another qualification for the position is that one must be a registered voter. If a senior citizen meets these qualifications, an application to be a member of the KSH Legislature can be filled out to occupy a position which has opened due to the retirement of another member. The applicant can only become a new member if the applicant's peers vote him or her into the office, Allen said.

Allen said his plans include educating local senior citizens about bills that will make an impact on the lives of older Americans.