Imperial County California senior legislator elections

Imperial Valley residents ages 55 and older who are aware of senior issues locally and eager to make a difference in the lives of aging Californians are being encouraged to consider running for the California Senior Legislature.

The California Senior Legislature is a non-partisan, grassroots body of 120 elected members 55 years of age and older, who serve as unpaid volunteer advocates. The CSL meets annually in a legislative session in the state capitol building to develop legislation responding to the needs and concerns of older Californians.

The CSL drafts senior legislative proposals, hears testimony, debates, may amend, and votes approval or disapproval. Of those approved, the top 10 state government and the top four federal government senior legislative proposals become that year’s priorities, and receive special attention throughout the year.

Senior legislators work throughout the year to find state and federal lawmakers to author their priority senior legislative proposals, and they continue to advocate for the adoption of those bills when authorized. The first California Senior Legislature was held in 1980. Since that time, the CSL has had a very successful track record with the state Legislature in gaining passage of priority senior legislative priorities.

To obtain an election packet, visit the California Senior Legislature website at www.4csl.org or visit the Imperial County Area Agency on Aging website at www.aaa24.org or pick up a packet at their office at 778 W. State St., El Centro.

The deadline to turn in the packets is July 30. The election will be held on Sept. 27.

For more information on senior services in the Imperial County, contact the Area Agency on Aging at (800) 510-2020 or (442) 265-7033.