Resolutions addressing Texas seniors

The Leopard Spot

The 11th Texas Silver Haired Legislature met last Fall and their top ten resolutions are as follows:
1. Ensure seniors are included in the recent and any future property tax reductions.
2. Cap the legal increase in valuation without approval of the voters to no more than 5%.
3. Establish a state-supported stem cell research program.
4. Authorize the Texas State Board of Insurance and the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to regulate the Pharmacy Benefits Managers who do business in Texas.
5. Oppose legislative initiatives authorizing a School Voucher System.
6. Require as a condition of licensure, certification or re-certification of Health Care Professionals.
7. Provide full health insurance benefits to all education retirees and active school employees.
8. Fund the solvency necessary for the Teacher Retirement System of Texas pension fund to be able to provide for an annuity increase for all Texas education retirees.
9. Require all Health Care Facilities to require their workers to undergo a background investigation at least every three years or when they are hired.
10. Establish a Silver Alert notification system whereby law enforcement, the media and other entities be notified when an elderly person is reported missing.

By David Leopard