Several weeks ago, the Register did a story on my participation as Allen County’s delegate to the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature.
I am writing to update you on the KSHL’s legislative priorities for the 2026 Kansas legislative session.
Seniors represent 25% of registered voters in Kansas, with nearly an 80% turnout in the 2024 general election — the highest of any age group.
The Silver Haired Legislature’s resolutions highlight the growing impact of Kansas’s aging population on public policy and economic stability.
KSHL members met Oct. 9 in Topeka to finalize the 2026 legislative priorities. Delegates voted for the following five resolutions:
1. Medical Cannabis Access — Support for Senate Bill 294 to regulate and license the cultivation, processing, and use of medical cannabis in Kansas.
2. Property Tax Relief — Support for SB 215 or similar legislation to provide property tax relief for seniors facing rising costs.
3. Medicaid and Food Assistance — Preserve Medicaid, home- and community-based services, and SNAP; support Medicaid expansion to leverage federal resources.
4. Voting Rights — Oppose any legislation that restricts voting access for seniors and other voters; protect mail-in, early voting, and polling accessibility.
5. Senior Transportation — Urge continued legislative funding for collaborative community-based transportation systems in rural, remote, and metropolitan areas, including micro-transit, with strong local control and KDOT coordination.
The KSHL also voted to oppose the calling of a special session for the purpose of redistricting congressional seats.
I will continue to represent Allen County for the next 18 months as well as serving as Planning and Service Area 5 Chair.
In addition, the KSHL authorized the appointment of at-large delegates if there are vacant county delegate positions so Sharon Kay Brower will also be representing the citizens of Allen County.
If you are 60 or older and interested in being a delegate, reach out to Kathi Brennan at the Southeast Kansas Area on Aging at 620-431-2980.
If you want more information on the 2026 legislative priorities or have input on other senior citizen issues, please feel free to contact me at 620-363-1203.
