Older Iowans Legislature
The Older Iowans Legislature is the only “Grass Roots” organization in Iowa that continually strives to produce an opportunity for Older Iowans to complete their lifelong journey in dignity, with respect from others, and receiving support when necessary.
OLDER IOWANS LEGISLATURE
Annual Meeting
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
Time: 8:30-2:00
Location: Iowa State Capitol,
Supreme Court Room 103
The Older Iowans Legislature Board of Directors, will conduct the
Annual Meeting in PERSON, on ZOOM or by PHONE.
To attend/participate in this event,
You must register to obtain a ZOOM link or Call-In Phone Number.
Register at www.olderiowans.org
Mail in registration information is at the end of this notice.
Lunch will be provided; a goodwill donation is appreciated!
AGENDA (times dependent upon proceedings)
1. 8:30-8:45 am: Kay Fisk, OIL Board Chair
• Opening Prayer
• Pledge of Allegiance
• Message from the Chair
• Bob Welsh, Memorial
• Linda Miller, Retired Director of Aging Recognition
• Diane Naujokaitis, Retiring OIL Treasure
2. 8:45-9:05 am: Guest Speaker, Adam Greg, Lt, Governor (tentative)
3. 9:05-10:00 am: Executive Panel:
• Zach Rhein, Director of Elder and Disabitily Services
• Liz Matney, Director of Iowa Medicaid
• Larry Johnson, Director of Dept. Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
10:00- 10:20 am: Break
10:20-11:45 am:
Delegates will convene as a joint assembly to discuss the issues for the 2025 Legislative session. No issues are carried over from the last session. We will review of new issues which were submitted by the membership. This will involve the entire assembly. Following the discussion, voting will determine what will be recommended to go before the 2025 General Assembly.
The Older Iowans Legislature, during its annual meeting on Monday September 28, 2023, identified four (4) Priority Issues for submission to the 2024 session of the Iowan General Assembly, under the very general titles of:
1. Enacting a Dementia Specialist Program – Senate File 2008 (Did Not Progress)
2. Improving the Guardianship and Conservatorship System – SF295 was passed unanimously by the Senate and was unanimously messaged to the House. OIL was registered FOR this. Gov. signed into law.
3. Funding Iowa Return to Community from the Lottery – OIL is currently monitoring the funding for the Iowa Return to Community (IRTC) Program. Lionel F. has been working to get information from the Gov. office. Did Not Progress
4. Improving Nursing Home Care – OIL continues to monitor the activity within the Iowa Legislature attempting to address nursing home care. Multiple bills have been introduced in the House/Senate re: Nursing Home Care. HF2013-Gov. signed into law. Bill related to nursing home administration provisional licensure. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=90&ba=HF%202013
11:45-12:15 Working Lunch
12:15- The joint assembly will continue discussion, then vote to determine legislative priorities for 2025. We request Items for discussion be received by September 1.
The Annual OIL Board business meeting and election of officers will follow. OIL Members members are encouraged to attend.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are a total volunteer and non-partisan organization that operates under a nonprofit umbrella.
Our members advocate State Legislators, the Governor and staff, and other organizations to assist in improving the “Quality of Life” for Older Adult Iowans. We have historically placed special emphasis on the frail elderly however our overall goal is to make Iowa that model state for all Older Adults. Get involved by joining the Older Iowans Legislators and stay active in assisting others.
Legislative Priorities
The Older Iowans Legislature, during its 2023 annual meeting identified four (4) Priority Issues for submission to the 2024 session of the Iowa General Assembly, under the very general titles of:
1. Enacting a Dementia Specialist Program
Senate File 2008 (SF2008) has been introduced. The Older Iowans Legislature is Monitoring Progress. The Older Iowans Legislure has registered in favor of this bill.
2. Improving Guardianship and Conservatorship System
Senate file 295 in Iowa General Assembly. SF295 was passed unanimously in 2023 by the Senate, and is now being discussed in the House.
3. Funding Iowa Return to Community from the Lottery
WE are currently monitoring the funding for the Iowa Return to Community (IRTC) program. See the legislative priorities pages of this site for more informaiton.
4. Improving Nursing Home Care
We continue to monitor the activity within the Iowa Legislature attempting to address nursing home care.
Latest News
The Board of Directors continually monitor the 2024 Iowa Legislature for activites that may affect Iowa Seniors. We will update this website as actions continue. If you have any specific activites for us to research or be aware of, please send an email to info@olderiowans.org.
Observation Box
Improving nursing home care was, in my opinion, a major focus of the Older Iowans Legislature session on Monday September 26, 2022, BUT, in my opinion, improving nursing home care has been difficult for the Older Iowans Legislature to advocate in the 2023 session of the Iowa General Assembly.
2024 Iowa General Assembly
The Older Iowans Legislature is currently supporting multiple bills in the 2024 Iowa General Assembly related to OIL Priority Issues. Refer to our Legislative Priorities Page on this website