The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL) overwhelmingly approved five resolutions that set its priorities for the 2027 legislative session. Sixty-five delegates took part in the two-day session on the floor of the Kansas House of Representatives, with every Planning and Service Area in the state represented.

On the first day, each resolution went through committee hearings that included testimony from professionals who work on these issues every day. Committees amended the resolutions after testimony and debate, and the full body then debated each one before Thursday’s final vote.

“Delegates representing every part of Kansas overwhelmingly approved these resolutions,” said KSHL Speaker Leroy Burton. “That tells legislators something. Seniors from rural towns and big cities alike agree on what they need to stay healthy, independent and involved in their communities.”

The five resolutions are:

Resolution 4400, Senior Transportation. Urges the Legislature to continue supporting and to increase funding for collaborative, community-based transportation for seniors, including micro-transit in rural, remote and metropolitan areas. It supports local control of these systems and asks the Kansas Department of Transportation to study transportation needs and work with local governments, Area Agencies on Aging, the KSHL and other organizations on projects that meet them.

Resolution 4401, In-Home Care. Urges the Legislature to increase funding for the Senior Care Act and the Home and Community-Based Services Frail/Elderly Waiver so Kansans can continue to receive vital in-home support.

Resolution 4402, Medicaid. Urges the Legislature to support Medicaid expansion in Kansas and to strengthen KanCare by increasing provider reimbursement rates.

Resolution 4403, Personal Needs Allowance and Medicaid Application Help. Urges the Legislature to raise the personal needs allowance for residents of Medicaid-approved nursing facilities to $72.74, matching the national average, with an annual review for a cost-of-living adjustment. The allowance is the monthly amount residents keep for personal expenses. The resolution also calls for more help for seniors applying for Medicaid, including funding and designating the Kansas Area Agencies on Aging to provide that assistance.

Resolution 4404, Voting Rights. Opposes any effort by the Legislature or county election officials that would restrict or prevent Kansas seniors from voting. It urges the Legislature to support the voting rights of seniors and all other voters by ensuring access to the polls, early voting and mail-in ballots.

What happens next

Copies of the resolutions will go to all Planning and Service Areas, legislators, senior centers, and other senior organizations across Kansas. After the Nov. 3 election, the KSHL will contact newly elected legislators, share the resolutions and schedule meetings with new committee chairs and committees. In early January, delegates will return to Topeka to visit every legislative office to deliver and discuss the resolutions. Testimony will begin once the new Legislature is sworn in.

“Passing these resolutions is the starting line,” Burton said. “Our delegates will be in every legislative office in January, making sure these issues are heard.”

About the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature is a statewide advocacy body made up of delegates who advocate for the more than 700,000 seniors in Kansas. Each year, KSHL delegates bring forward resolutions grounded in survey data and lived experience from every county in the state to shape policy that affects Kansas seniors.