Older Iowans Legislature
Pursuing Quality of Life of Iowa's Senior Citizens
The Older Iowans Legislature is a statewide non-partisan, non-profit volunteer organization. Its members advocate for state legislators and the Governor to sign legislation that will result in an improved “Quality of Life for Older Iowans”.
The Older Iowans Legislature places special emphasis on the frail elderly; those citizens who have contributed much to our society, but have exhausted their resources and in need of assistance to lead meaningful lives.
Please take a look at our web site and join our efforts to pursue quality of life for our elderly.
Find out about us, and how to contact your local OIL representative.
Get involved and get on our mailing list.
Get contact info for your local officials and tell them you support OIL's legislative goals.
Latest News
OLDER IOWANS LEGISLATURE
PRIORITY BILLS OF 2019
Dear Fellow OIL Member,
The OIL members attending our annual meeting last September determined four issues which they wanted our organization to advocate to Iowa's Governor and the Legislature on behalf of their fellow senior citizens.
- Comprehensive Elder Abuse legislation
- The shortage of Direct Care Workers and the inclusion of this segment of the health care
Workforce in the Future Ready Iowa program - Home modification rules affecting new construction so people can age in place as they age.
- Improvements to the Congregate Meals Program.
The OIL Board of Directors have worked hard to turn these concepts into actual bills which will be introduced and advocated for passage in the up-coming legislative session.
OIL Vice Chair Larry Kudej and I have written a summary of our bills which appears on this web site.
We will be calling on all OIL members and friends to contact their state legislators by email or visiting directly with them about our legislative priorities at the legislators' listening sessions which they will hold in their districts during the course of the General Assembly.
Watch for emails that OIL Secretary Ron Jome' will be sending out regarding the status of our legislative priorities as they make their way through the legislative process. We will be sending out Action Alerts calling on you to contact your local legislator asking for their support of our bills.
Remember this is YOUR organization. OIL's ONLY purpose is to advocate for legislation which will help Iowa's seniors have the "quality of life" they deserve. Also remember that OIL is a non-partisan, non-profit, all volunteer organization with no office or staff. We are your fellow Iowans advocating on your behalf.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Helene Magee
OIL Chair
Elder Protection
Delegates to the 2019 session of the Older Iowans Legislature determined that OIL should promote a bill pertaining to Elder Protection.
The following is a summary of the bill OIL is presenting to the Iowa General Assembly in January 2020 for its consideration.
- Amend current Iowa law to provide specific penalties for acts against older individuals, including assault, theft, assault, financial exploitation, consumer frauds, and dependent adult abuse.
- Provide necessary funding to provide a single point of entry, coordinated public awareness program, and expansion of the Office of Public Guardian.
- Provide a comprehensive approach to combatting elder abuse that recognizes all forms of elder abuse and protects persons over 60 from all acts of persons, no matter the setting, that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently cause harm or serious risk of injury.
- Utilize special adult abuse investigators and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Define mandatory reporters.
Addressing Health Care Workforce Shortage
Delegates to the 2019 session of the Older Iowans Legislature determined that OIL should promote a bill pertaining to the Direct Care Worker Shortage
The following is a summary of the bill OIL is presenting to the Iowa General Assembly in January 2020 for its consideration.
- Provide income tax credits, scholarships or forgivable loans, and increase funding for the GAP Tuition Assistance program in our community colleges.
- Include Direct Care Workers in the Future Ready Iowa Initiative.
- Create a Direct Care Worker Task Force to collaborate and create programs that increase opportunities.
- Create a professional certification program that allows advancement through a tier system.
- Provide funding to establish a central registry and certification program.
Lifetime Usability of New Housing Construction in the State of Iowa
Delegates to the 2019 session of the Older Iowans Legislature determined that OIL should promote a bill pertaining to new housing construction that would enable Iowans to "Age in Place".
The following is a summary of the bill OIL is presenting to the Iowa General Assembly in January 2020 for their consideration.
- These requirements would pertain to "Publicly Finance Housing" meaning use of public funds for the assistance of construction from the state or any political subdivision.
- The new construction should have at least one step-less and accessible entrances, doorways and hallways.
- First floor doors, hallways must provide sufficient clear width to enable a person to pass through if they are using a wheelchair, walker, crutches, etc.
- Electrical switches, outlets, panels and environmental controls should be located between 18 and 48 inches above the floor that allows a seated person to reach.
- Sanitation facilities must be available on the main floor and have wall framing to support grab bars.
- Garages must be wired for power operated overhead.
- This bill requires the state building code commissioner to create a set of minimum universal design standards relating to accessibility and usability applicable to housing construction funded in whole or part by public funds.
- The entity by or through which the public funds are allocated shall enforce the requirements of this section.
A Bill to Address Food Insecurity
Congregate Meals Revitalization Plan
Delegates to the 2019 session of the Older Iowans Legislature voted for OIL to pursue legislation addressing the decline of individual 60 years of age or older in the Congregate Meal Program.
The following is a summary of the bill OIL is presenting to the Iowa General Assembly in January 2020 for their consideration. The Older Iowans Legislature will introduce a bill based on the concepts listed below to the Iowa General Assembly in January 2010 to address Congregate Meals.
- Congregate Meals serve three purposes: reduce hunger and food insecurity, promote socialization and promote the health and well-being of older adults. Congregate meal sites also offer nutrition screening and education and counseling.
- An experimental program conducted by the Iowa Department on Aging and the Heritage Area Agency on Aging created the "Encore Café" concept which offers a choice of menu with two entrees and a salad bar with flexible serving times.
- The program involves chef-lead cooking demonstrations and integrates health and wellness speakers and evidenced-based health programs and activities in a convenient location.