2006 Legislative Forum Both Inspiring and Productive

Timmie Faghin, Advisory Council Member

Over 150 enthusiastic seniors and people with disabilities attended the 2006 Legislative Forum held in the Seattle Center on August 23, 2006. The event was sponsored by the Seattle/King County Advisory Council on Aging and Disabilities.

Using the theme "Supporting Vulnerable Adults:  How Will the Federal and State Budgets Reflect our Concerns?", the Council invited a number of speakers from both the federal and local levels to offer suggestions and advice. Time was also given for questions from the audience and there was lively discussion by participants.

The program was opened by Pam Piering, Director of Aging and Disability Services, who served as Keynote speaker. She listed trends affecting vulnerable adults. She was followed by a panel of federal experts. State issues were addressed by several authorities during the afternoon session.

In addition, the group was addressed by Dr. Maxine Hayes, WA State Public Health Officer, and Jerry Reilly, Public Policy Consultant. The day concluded with a highly charged wrap-up by Nancy Amidei, Senior Lecturer, UW School of Social Work, who offered a number of suggestions for effective advocacy.

The Raging Grannies, a singing political activist organization, presented a series of stirring musical parodies during the lunch hour.

A highlight of the day was the presentation of the first Louise Parry Humanitarian Award, which was created by the Advisory Council in memory of Ms. Parry, who died recently. The award was presented to Senator Pat Thibaudeau for her years of improving human rights and promoting social justice.

Materials from the presentation can be seen here. (The forum committee strived to include a diverse representation on federal and local issues. The opinions expressed by the speakers do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging.)

• "Looking Ahead: Federal and State Trends Affecting Older Adults"  by Pamela Piering, Director of Aging and Disability Services.
• "What Do We Know about the Health of Minority Populations in Washington State?" by Dr. Maxine Hayes, MD, MPH, Washington State Health Officer.
• Federal Issues Panel Presentation, Walter Williams, PhD., Distinguished Fellow, Center for American Politics and Professor Emeritus, Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, University of Washington