Welcome to The Senior Alliance's advocacy newsletter, COLLOQUY!

This monthly e-mail is a look at issues, legislation, and policies impacting aging.

Older Michiganians Day in Lansing!

Governor Gretchen Whitmer addresses the Older Michiganians Day crowd on May 17, 2023

Governor Whitmer welcomed to Older Michiganians Day by Dave LaLumia, Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan Executive Director, on May 17, 2023

State Senator Sylvia Santana at Older Michiganians Day on May 17, 2023

On May 17, 2023, Older Michiganians Day (OMD), over 200 supporters turned to Lansing, and over 600 Michiganians across the state watched the live stream. More than 1,400 letters were delivered to elected officials.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke to the OMD gathering and presented a proclamation recognizing May as Older Michiganians Month to David LaLumia, Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging Association of Michigan (4AM). State Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Clinton Twp.) introduced Senate Resolution in the Michigan State Senate and Representative Carol Glanville (D-Grand Rapids) introduced House Resolution (HR) 111 in the Michigan State House. 

Speakers during the OMD program included Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), Senator Minority Leader Aric Nesbit (R-Porter Twp.), Senate Health and Human Services Appropriation Subcommittee Chair Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit), House Appropriations Committee Chair Michelle Witwer (D-Eaton Rapids), and House Families, Children, & Seniors Committee Member Sharon McDonnell (D-Troy).

Watch the Event Here!

Update on FY 2024 State Budget

On May 3, 2023, both Senate Bill (SB) 190 and House Bill (HB) 4310, the bills outlining the FY2024 Michigan Department of Health Human Services budget, were passed in their respective chambers. The bills will now go to a Conference Committee where members from both legislative chambers will iron out their differences and present a negotiated single bill to the legislature for approval.

During passage on the floor of the Michigan House, MHHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chair State Representative Christine Morse proposed an amendment to allocate an additional $5,000,000 to Area Agencies on Aging for home and community-based services, which was adopted. The Senior Alliance will continue to advocate for a total increase of $9 million for in-home services in the FY 2024 budget to alleviate current waitlists.

Analysts project the state budget will be completed by the end of June.

FY 2024 Annual Implementation Plan Public Hearings

The Senior Alliance is hosting Public Hearings for input on the Agency's Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for FY 2024. The AIP outlines the goals and objectives of Area Agency on Aging services and programs for persons aged 60 and older in southern and western Wayne County.

Written comments on the FY 2024 AIP will be accepted until 12 p.m. on June 12, 2023.

Please send written comments to:

The Senior Alliance

Planning Department

5454 Venoy Road

Wayne, MI 48184

or by email to eolson@thesenioralliance.org

Call 734-722-2830 for more information.

Join Our Effort - Advocate!

The Senior Alliance has an opening on the volunteer Michigan Senior Advocates Council (SAC). The SAC meets once per month to get updates on aging-related legislation and to talk with state legislators. This advocacy work is aided by staff from The Senior Alliance.

More info can be found on our state association's website.

Advocacy Questions: Please contact Edward Webster, Government Relations Specialist, with any advocacy or public policy questions via e-mail at ewebster@thesenioralliance.org

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