Oklahoma State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
405-521-5774

For Immediate Release: February 22, 2006

Sen. Leftwich and Silver Haired Legislature Call for Hearing on Dept. of Aging Bill

Sen. Debbe Leftwich and members of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature are calling for a hearing on a bill to create a stand-alone Department of Aging before the clock runs out and the bill is dead for the session.

Leftwich first introduced Senate Bill 809 during the 2005 session. The measure then was assigned to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Services, but was never given a hearing. However, the legislation is still considered to be a “live” bill until the 2006 deadline for committee action. Thursday is the last day the Human Services subcommittee is scheduled to meet to consider Senate bills for this session.

“Creating a one-stop-shop for seniors is not a new idea. For several years the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature has asked lawmakers to create a single agency to serve our older Oklahomans. Right now the services they depend on are spread throughout more than half a dozen different agencies,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City. “It just creates layer upon layer of bureaucracy and frustration for those needing help.”

Currently, various programs for older Oklahomans are administered by several agencies, including the Department of Human Services, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the Health Department, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Department of Transportation and the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

“It is literally a maze that can leave an individual frustrated to the point of giving up on getting the services they need. I’ve personally helped constituents try to get access to programs and I know how frustrating it can be. We need to cut through the red-tape and turf wars and really do something to help our seniors instead of throwing up barriers,” Leftwich said.

Charles Campbell of Bethal Acres was among those speaking in favor of the bill at a Wednesday afternoon press conference at the State Capitol. Campbell is the past president of the Oklahoma Silver Haired Legislature’s Alumni Association.

“It’s very confusing and aggravating—especially when seniors call what is listed as a hotline at a state agency only to get a pre-recorded menu. When they finally do speak to a live person, they’ll often end up being transferred several times only to find they still aren’t speaking to the right agency to help with their particular problem. It shouldn’t be this way,” said Campbell.

Leftwich said according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 20 other states and the District of Columbia have independent agencies to handle aging services. She said the demands for aging services are expected to increase dramatically over the next few years as the “baby-boomers” begin entering their sixties.

“The time to begin work on creating a Department of Aging is now. Elected officials like to say they are in support of programs that help our older citizens. Well, this is a darn good way to prove that isn’t just talk. I would urge all Oklahoma who care about this issue to let their legislators know Senate Bill 809 needs to be heard before it’s too late,” Leftwich said.

To contact your State Senator, go to www.oksenate.gov and select “Senators” and follow the link with your State Senator’s name for contact information. If you don’t know who your Senator is, click on the “Senators” tab and then follow the “Find Your Senator” link.

For more information contact:
Senator Leftwich's Office - (405) 521-5557