Senior Lobby Day--A Valentine's Day Message for Olympia

Doug Ricker, ADS Planner

On February 14, a group of Advisory Council members will trek down to Olympia to meet with their legislators. They will not be delivering chocolates or flowers, but instead a powerful message on the need to support items vital to Washington's older adults.

This event, called the "Senior Lobby Day," will see a variety of groups converge on the state capital. As in last year’s successful campaign, the Advisory Council will again join forces with the Eldercare Alliance, a coalition of organizations seeking to support investments in the state's long-term care system.

In addition to getting "face time" with their legislators, attendees will get hands-on training by policy and advocacy experts. Governor Gregoire and several legislators are expected to drop by during lunch.

Advocacy priorities include:

• Securing a vendor rate increase for eldercare providers
• Expanding the state Family Caregiver Support Program
• Restoring Senior Citizen’s Act funding
• Enhancing the Long Term Care Ombudsman program
• Supporting a new Public Guardianship program 

Council members will give their take on the importance of these items, and share personal stories on how they can impact our communities. They will also hand out fact sheets and—in lieu of chocolates—give their legislators a fortune cookie containing a message urging them to support the Eldercare Alliance positions.

If you are interested in participating in Senior Lobby Day, contact Doug Ricker at doug.ricker@seattle.gov or by phone at (206) 684-0292. 

For more information on the Eldercare Alliance issues, see W4A’s Legislative Agenda. Use the W4A Action Alert Tool to send a message to your representative urging them to support the Eldercare Alliance Budge Package.