Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Grants Region Extra Seats

“Having extra positions from across the region provides higher visibility to older adult issues that we are facing regionally and statewide,” said Patty Bordie…

To help fill the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) with active and committed representatives who are 60 or older, the organization expanded the number of representatives for the counties in the CAPCOG region from five to eight.

“Having extra positions from across the region provides higher visibility to older adult issues that we are facing regionally and statewide,” said Patty Bordie, CAPCOG Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area (AAACAP) director. “These new positions aren’t just for our region; they are really at-large positions with the expectation that you represent seniors throughout the state.”

TSHL representatives volunteer to recommend legislative changes affecting older Texans before each state legislature. They work on broader community issues requiring members to share ideas, learn from example, and be persistent about promoting beneficial change. Before each State Legislative Session, the TSHL provides a platform to state legislators for consideration. Its members also testify on bills during the session.

AAACAP works with TSHL to find representatives willing to serve and has sought to fill these new positions with rural volunteers to help ensure issues are addressed by a diverse demographic

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area provides quality services to support and advocate for the health, safety and well-being of older adults in the 10-county region.

Serving the people of Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Fayette, Hays, Lee, Llano, Travis and Williamson counties in Texas since 1982, we strive to provide services that help meet your needs or the needs of someone you care for.

Trained staff will also provide contact information for referral agencies or outside service providers to further assist you. Our agency is staffed with bilingual (Spanish) personnel. We’re ready to help.

> Read the Area Agency on Aging 2015-16 Area Plan.
> Read the draft Area Agency on Aging 2017-19 Area Plan (awaiting final approval from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services).