Older Iowans Legislature
Older Iowans will have the opportunity to meet in the Iowa House of Representatives as members of the Older Iowans Legislature hold their annual meeting at the State Capitol on Monday, Sept. 26 and Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Iowans 50 years of age or older will sit at a legislators desk and have the opportunity to introduce issues and participate in the discussion of issues affecting their lives and the lives of their fellow Iowans. They will cast their votes electronically and thus it will be decided which three issues the Older Iowans Legislature will advocate next year to the Governor and to the Iowa General Assembly.
Helene Magee, Chair of the Older Iowans Legislature, (OIL) says the organization practices grassroots democracy. OIL is a non-profit, non-partisan, all volunteer organization with no formal headquarters and no paid staff or lobbyist. It was authorized by the Iowa Legislature 40 years ago to advocate on behalf of Iowas elderly in order to help older Iowans purse a quality of life, Magee explained.
The Older Iowans Legislature (OIL) has been successful in advocating for expansion of the Elder Abuse Law, Volunteer Ombudsmen Program, Substitute Decision Maker Program and funding for home and community based services.
Magee explained that membership in OIL is open to any Iowan over the age of 50. She suggests that older Iowans go to the website olderiowans.org for more information. Click on Join Us and fill out the membership form and come join us at the State Capitol in September.
