The Texas Silver Haired Legislature and City of Brownwood are co-sponsoring a Town Hall Forum on Tuesday March 11 from 2:30 – 5:30 PM at Adams Street Community Center to hear thoughts and concerns on issues facing aging citizens of our area.

The Texas Legislature established Texas Silver Haired Legislature in 1985 when Governor Mark White signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 37.  The first TSHL Legislative Session was held in 1986 and has continued for 27 years.  Seniors 60+ are elected to a 2-year term by their peers from within 28 districts in Texas.

With a starter grant from the United Ways of Texas, TSHL piloted a Town Hall Forum in 2007 in Houston and continued statewide with an AT&T grant.  Since that time, TSHL has conducted more than 20 statewide forums attended by aging citizens, advocacy groups, and the Texas Aging network of providers and policy makers.  Numerous aging issues were identified in these forums, and TSHL members developed Resolutions for considerations by the Texas Legislature.  From 2007-2013, the Texas Legislature adopted 88 laws on issues identified in the Town Hall Forums.

The Town Hall Forum will provide all-age citizens the opportunity to identify aging issues and suggest solutions for consideration by the TSHL in filing resolutions for the 15th TSHL Session which will be held April 28 – May 2, 2014, State Capitol House Chambers.  The group is required to report its findings to the Governor, the 84th Texas Legislature which will convene in January 2015, and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

Joining us in Brownwood will be SHL members from across Texas and some of our state and local elected officials.

Participants, seated for table discussions, will identify aging issues and prioritize their number one (or two) priority at each table.  Tickets for the event are $3 and will include a light evening meal.  These can be obtained at Brownwood Senior Citizens Center, several of the local nursing facilities, or by calling Nancy at 325-642-9060.