Story and photos by Darl DeVault, contributing editor
Concerned citizens will gather at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Senior Day to feel their voices matter and influence key legislation affecting aging Oklahomans from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, March 30. This event offers a meaningful opportunity for Oklahoma senior citizens, caregivers, and interested community members to actively advocate for policies that can improve their quality of life.
The legislature is considering several important bills for seniors this session. By attending and engaging with legislators’ offices, advocates can feel empowered to influence the future of policies like tax credits, homestead exemptions, COLA, and pension stability that directly affect their lives.
Senate Bill 1114 can provide an ad valorem tax credit for seniors whose income falls below the median household income, essentially “freezing” their tax liability to the level of the first year they qualified.
Seniors can advocate for Homestead Exemption Increases: Proposals exist to increase the homestead exemption specifically for seniors and those on fixed incomes, helping them remain in their homes.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) to keep pace with inflation are in bills like HB 2193, which propose an 8% increase for members of various public retirement systems (including Teachers, Firefighters, and Public Employees) who receive less than $90,000 in gross benefits.
Pension Stability is outlined in SB 10, which specifically targets benefit increases for the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System.
Event sponsor, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, is highlighting its “Aging Our Way” plan to address aging-related challenges, as the 65-plus population will outnumber children in the next decade.
Advocates are asked to push for increased state investment to eliminate service gaps, such as in Senior Nutrition Programs, where a primary concern is the growing waitlist for meal deliveries (like Meals on Wheels) and congregate dining services.
Attendees may arrive beginning at 8:30 a.m. and sign in at the second-floor rotunda of the Capitol. Attendees will gather in the House Chamber on the fourth floor at 10 a.m. to hear from speakers on these initiatives, then meet with their elected representatives to have their voices heard.
Southern Oklahoma Development Association Ombudsman Supervisor and Systems Advocate Rebekah Williams will emcee the House Chambers proceedings in her duties with the Area Agency on Aging.
The free, open-to-the-public event encourages attendees to register in advance through the Oklahoma Alliance on Aging website’s Events page and to visit their legislators’ offices after the formal program. Volunteers will assist attendees in locating their legislators’ offices.
The Oklahoma Alliance on Aging organizes Senior Day in partnership with the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature Alumni Association, AARP Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services Community Living, Aging and Protective Services Division.
For more info, call (405) 943-1895 or email [email protected].
