Silver-Haired Legislature
The
Silver Haired Legislature (SHL) is a formally elected body of citizens
60 years of age and older that promotes conscientious legislative advocacy
for Missouri's older adults.
All members are volunteers and serve without pay.
Annual elections are held in May at MARC's senior centers to elect three senators and 12 representatives.
Jackson County silver-haired legislators are elected in even-numbered years. The other counties are elected in odd-numbered years.
Following elections, the legislators meet to elect officers and identify the needs of seniors in their districts. Bills and resolutions are then created to be introduced at the statewide conference in the fall.
The entire SHL meets for three days in the fall to conduct a model legislative session. The members present, debate and vote on a prepared docket of bills and resolutions that affect the lives of all Missouri citizens. From the docket, five bills having the highest priority are selected as the group's main focus in the Missouri General Assembly for the upcoming year.
To contact your Silver Haired Legislator, please contact us or call 816/474-4240 and your message will be forwarded to the appropriate senator or representative.
Who can participate in the Silver Haired Legislature?
To participate as a senator or representative, you must be 60 years or older and have been a resident of the area you want to represent for at least six months.
If you want to participate in the election process as a voter, you must be 60 years or older and a resident of the jurisdiction in which you wish to vote.