Speaker Hawkins on Aging Services: ‘Your Business is as Tough as it Gets’
On Thursday this week, nearly 100 aging services professionals across the state of Kansas walked the stairs of the statehouse to meet with their legislators and share the successes and challenges of their work. The event was co-hosted by LeadingAge Kansas, Kansas Healthcare Association, and Kansas Adult Care Executives and kicked off that morning with presentations from each association’s contract lobbyists and Speaker of the House, Daniel Hawkins (R-100). The Speaker recognized the tremendous, yet difficult work aging services providers offer to seniors and their families across Kansas and promised the legislature is working to improve that through adequate reimbursement measures. Following the morning session, the afternoon at the statehouse was filled with legislator meetings as well as a House and Senate proclamation recognizing Aging Services Day. Each legislator received a personalized folder with information on aging services and seniors in their district as well as trends in aging services across the state and nation. Members who attended should take this opportunity to send a thank you card or email to the legislators they met with, and members who were unable to attend can follow up with their legislators to ask if they have any follow up questions. The day was a success due to staff at each association, the sponsors, and members who showed up in full force to elevate aging services in Kansas – thank you!
Bills Introduced this Week
- SB430 – A comprehensive worker’s compensation bill.
- SB 445 – Establishing minimum training requirements for law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel on interacting with individuals with dementia.
Coming Up Next Week
- Tuesday, February 6: Hearing on HB2548, the no patient left alone act, in House Health and Human Services.
- Wednesday, February 7: Hearing on SB352, the John D. Springer patient’s bill of rights, in Senate Public Health and Welfare.
- Thursday, February 8: Hearing on the budget for Kansas Department of Health and Environment in House Social Services Budget.
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