VOLUME XX NO. 1 Spring 2006

Official Publication of the Silver-Haired Legislature

Success! Nursing Home Personal COMING ATTRACTIONS Needs Allowance Raised by LBB March 22 Steering Committee, WHCoA Forums, Austin, DADS, 1:30-3:30 pm Statistically, only five percent of all Seasoned Citizens March 31 TSHL Foundation Board meets, Austin, are in a nursing home at any given time. Yet those five out SBC, 10 am of every one hundred of the over 65-year olds receive more April 6-7 Money Follows the Person Conference, time and money for their care than the statistics suggests. Austin, DoubleTree Hotel Thus, the TSHL's top priority resolution of its 2004 April 17 Governor’s Special Legislative Session Legislative session stated, “Whereas the Human Resources April 20 TSHL Executive Committee Meeting Code set a Personal Needs Allowance of not less than $60 a April 21 Texas Delegation Pre-WHCoA Follow-up month for a Medicaid resident of a nursing home, and the Forums Work Session, Austin budget for fiscal year 2004-2005 only funds the PNA at April 29 Texas Round Up, Austin $45 for these residents, the TSHL encourages and strongly MAY IS OLDER AMERICANS MONTH recommends that the 79th Texas Legislature find that the $60 May 1-3 Texas Conference on Aging, El Paso, be reinstated for the PNA and should be a budget priority.” Hilton El Paso Airport Although the Texas Legislature failed to respond to this Info: www.riocog.org/AAA/TCOA2006 TSHL resolution before adjourning on May 31, 2005, TSHL May 3 DADS Council members persisted in pursuing their advocacy role before the May 15-26 WHCoA Follow-up Forums members of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). May 23 TSHL Election Day Perseverance paid off when, on February 16, 2006, June 27 Last day to file for TSHL Office the LBB authorized use of Health and Human Services July 10 11th TSHL New Member Training Commission (HHSC) funds for Nursing Home Rates, Personal July 10-13 11th TSHL Orientation Needs Allowance, Mental Health Facilities and Trauma Care .

July 19-21 Texas Association of Area Agency on Continued on Page 3 Aging Directors quarterly meeting August 9 DADS Council Sept 10 TSHL Executive Committee ADELAIDE “ADDIE” HORN Sept 11-15 TSHL Legislative Session NEW DADS COMMISSIONER Nov 15 DADS Council “ Addie Horn has a wealth of experi- ence with the full range of our state's long-term care services, from in-home supports to our state schools,” said Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Albert Hawkins in announcing Horn’s selection as commissioner of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). Having served as deputy commissioner, Horn took over as DADS commissioner on February 1, replacing Jim Hine who retired after a 35-year career in public service. Horn’s appointment was made with the approval of Governor . “I am confident she will continue the leadership and innovation needed at the State level to ensure that older Texans and those with disabilities are able to live dignified and productive lives in a safe envi- ronment,” Commissioner Hawkins concluded. Before joining DADS, Horn served as the director of Long-Term Care Services and Supports for the Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC) where she was responsible for long-term care policy analysis and coordination. She has al- most three decades of experience in institutional and community-care services, direct-care services, quality assurance and improvement, regulatory programs, vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid services, and policy development and coordination. She is a graduate of St. Edward's University in Austin. Horn responded, “I am pleased and excited to accept the position of Commissioner for the Department of Aging and Disability Services. One of the goals of the agency is to provide the citizens of Texas with the highest quality long-term ser- vices and supports possible. I feel privileged to be able to serve in this role as we work to create a more coordinated system for health and human services across our great state.” DADS has more than 14,000 employees statewide and an annual budget of more than $5 billion. The agency regulates long- term services and nursing homes, provides state services for people with disabilities, and oversees state programs for aging Texans.

Spring 2006 Silver Bulletin Page 2 Silver Bulletin Editor National Silver-Haired Congress reports from Feb 2006 session — Pat Porter reporting

The National Silver-Haired Congress elected TSHL’s Carlos Higgins as NSHC Speaker of the House at the winter session held in the nation's Capitol in February. 36 states were represented at the session by “It’s not Cajun Louisiana, over one hundred members. but it’s still fun and beads.” The top five resolutions adopted by the NSHC are: — Ivan • To reauthorize the federal Older Americans Act; • To extend to December 31 the deadline for enrollment without penalty in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan; Ivan’s Insights — While I mardi grawed, the • To ensure that all seniors have access to dental care Sharp Commission held hearings and Governor Perry through Medicare; called a special session of the Lege to solve the school • To develop a national background check and registry financing problem. Thank God, friends with the Galveston for all health-care workers; and County Interfaith shared with me their concerns that the • To initiate congressional action on the recommenda- school tax reform issue affects every tax payer in Texas. tions from 2005 White House Conference on Aging. The Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of The nineteen Texas delegates made up the largest state the state property tax to fund public schools seems to thaw delegation at the session. Glen Peterson was re-elected out the freeze for the elderly and handicapped and conse- Chair of Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, quently puts us in the taxpaying pot whether it be an increase , Texas) and sits on the Board. Pat Porter was in sales taxes or sin taxes or business taxes (who is to say the one of the four delegates-at-large elected to the Board, mak- ing it four Texans on the Board. Homer Lear , previously business tax will not be passed on to the consumer?). Board Chair, remains on the NHSC Board as Past Chair. While the TSHL is in the midst of its election cam- Other Texas delegates were Adelaide Balaban , Ruth paign, the Legislature will be meeting in Austin. I strongly suggest that we collar our local state senators and represen- Bowling , Donald Brodnax , Nell Clark , Bill Cummings, tatives with accountability sessions to determine their posi- Chester Cunningham , Charlynne Elliott , Nancy Foster , tions on the tax proposals they prefer and will vote for. Oscar Garcia , Pete Hinojosa , Paula Johnson , Lewis It has been repeated often enough to be true: the Sharp Marshall , Betty Trotter, Margaret Williamson , and Commission can propose but only the Legislature will de- Hazel Wright . Also attending were Bobbie Brodnax , termine the taxing structure for Texas public schools. Katherine Higgins , Juretta Marshall , LaVerne Peterson , One factual presentation that hit me between the eyes Red Wilcher , Claude Williamson , and Harold Wright , is that families of four earning less than $22,000 a year pay who acted as facilitator. 14.2% of this low income on direct and indirect state and local taxes. Families of four earning more than $100,000 pay 5.1% of their much higher incomes on direct and indi- Valentine’s Day Gala: Fabulous! rect state and local taxes. That, to me, is more unconscionable than the former “It definitely was fabulous!” system was unconstitutional and must not be tolerated by confirmed Pat Porter , Chair of TSHLF any fair-minded Texas lawmaker or citizen. Gala/Event Committee, about the suc- Furthermore, it seems that the business community cessful fundraiser sponsored by the profits more by a well-educated workforce and Texas has TSHL Foundation and held Valentine’s allowed them to carry less than their fair share of the load Day evening this year. Esther’s Follies in Austin was the scene of the fun event. for our schools. More than 100 people attended, and “a fine large time Advocates, wherever you happen to be, be active and was had by all,” said Pat. All expenses were covered in agitating during the Special Session of the Texas Legisla- advance with sponsorships including AT&T (SBC) and ture that begins April 17. Emeritus Assisted Living . Final figures on funds raised and attendance are expected after March 31. Looking forward The Fundraising Committee is considering making this to seeing y’all at the a biennial event in years when Senior Day is not sched- 11th TSHL Orientation, July 10-13! uled. The next fundraising event is a gala planned for February 13, 2007, on the evening of Senior Day at the (I’ll bring beads) Capitol. Spring 2006 Silver Bulletin Page 3

Personal Needs Allowance Chris Kyker Continued from Page 1 Chris Kyker SPEAKER’S CORNER The Legislative Budget Board, a permanent joint committee of the Texas Legislature, develops recommendations for Older Texans lost a true champion with the legislative appropriations agencies of state government. The death of the Honorable Jim Caldwell . Lieutenant Governor and House Speaker serve Jim was head of the TSHL Capitol Crew and was at the as joint chairs of the LBB. Capitol daily during the session to advocate for TSHL pri- Speaker Chris Kyker reported to the TSHL, “ Commissioner Addie Horn , DADS, orities. Since that time, he had continued his regular visits has authorized me to release the following to the Capitol. statement regarding the personal needs allow- He followed the progress of the Personal Needs Allow- ance: The LBB has authorized DADS to ex- ance from the bills that were introduced in the 79th Session, Gov. Perry pend $4.3 million General Revenue and Fed- to the executive order issued by Governor Perry to the eral funds in FY 2006 to increase the Personal Legislative Budget Board for restoration of the $60 Needs Allowance from $45 to $60 per month. monthly allowance. The LBB took action just a few days DADS and HHSC will implement this increase before Jim's death on February 17, 2006. as soon as possible.” She added, “This is a The last time many TSHL members saw him was at the significant development for the TSHL and our number one priority,” and, “at last, we have TSHL Foundation fundraising event at Esther's Follies on response from the Governor, Texas House Valentine’s Day. He sat in the front row and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst Speaker Craddick , Lt. Gov. David was involved with the onstage antics of the Dewhurst and the LBB. It's been a long time performers. coming. Thanks to all of you for your diligence Jim fit right in as an actor. His film credits and commitment to so many nursing home resi- included playing Dolly Parton's father in dents.” “River Unbroken,” also roles in “Rancho No Carlos Higgins , TSHL Speaker Pro- Tango” and “Confederate Air Force.” Jim appeared in sev- Spkr. Craddick Tem , emailed the membership: “You deserve eral commercials and was a spokesperson for TV Travel credit for some fine work. Your efforts and Series. persistence are finally rewarded . . . the increase in the Personal His life's work, however, was for seniors. Legislators Needs Allowance is effective immediately. Funds have been knew Jim Caldwell . When he testified, they listened. released. The next step is for the HHSC and DADS to inform When he spoke with the Governor, the Governor responded. the LBB of their implementation plans.” TSHL will miss this generous and humble man. A The official press release reads: “(Austin) - Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Tom Craddick au- memorial service for Jim was held March 15, 2006, at the thorized the Health and Human Services Commission First Baptist Church in Kingsland, Texas, where he had (HHSC) to draw upon funds to pay for a number of critical lived for several years. Jim's college roommate, State needs in the state. The expenditures include $4.3 million in Representative Tony Goolsby of gave the eulogy. general revenue and $4.3 million in federal funds to in- crease the personal needs allowance for long-term care fa- cility residents from $45 to $60.” “There is nothing more important to me than protecting IN MEMORIAM the most vulnerable in our society. By funding these ser- vices, we are one step closer to delivering the highest qual- We will miss these Silver-Haired Legislators: ity care to those who really need it — the elderly and the frail,” Lt. Gov. Dewhurst said. Jim D. Caldwell (February 17, 2006) TSHL-Capitol Speaker Tom Craddick said, “The services set to re- Area (Blanco, Burnet, and Llano Counties). ceive these funds could potentially affect every citizen of this state. As a result, it is imperative that these agencies Elizabeth (Bette) Gunnerson (December 3, 2005) expedite action and facilitate expanded capacity and im- TSHL- Harris County Precinct 1. proved quality care. I am pleased we are currently in a situa- tion to approve these much needed resources, and I trust that Naomi Elaine Norton (October 22, 2005) TSHL- by doing so we are helping our most vulnerable Texans.” Permian Basin/Midland.

Governor Rick Perry released the following statement:

“I appreciate the steps taken today by the Lieutenant Gover- nor and the Speaker to address some of the most critical Biographies and photos appear in the Silver Taps section health care needs in our state. Increased funding for nurs- of the official Texas Silver-Haired Legislature ing homes, personal needs, trauma care and state mental website: www.txshl.org hospital capacity will ensure that some of our most needy citizens receive essential care and services.” Spring 2006 Silver Bulletin Page 4 On a personal note . . . When was the WHCoA Follow-up Forums set last time you visited someone in a nursing home? for May 15-26, 2006 The $60 Personal Needs Allowance has been restored but what about the intangible The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, Texas Delegation to the personal needs of nursing home residents? White House Conference on Aging 2005, Texas Area Agencies on Aging, Some personal attention – a phone call, a and Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services have formed a visit – could be what they want and need as much four-way partnership to conduct statewide public forums during May, or more than those extra dollars for incidentals. Older Americans Month. The purpose of the forums is to report the ag- We could pick up the telephone, talk to ing issues and resolutions discussed during the WHCoA in December those we know and love in nursing homes, or and facilitate discussions of Texas response to those issues that concern drive over to spend a few minutes every now local communities. and then with them. Texas Area Agencies on Aging are taking the lead in coordinating the local forums with assistance from DADS, WHCoA Delegates and In that way, we can add a “personal TSHL. Forums will discuss Texas priority resolutions and recommend touch” to the Personal Needs Allowance . implementation strategies based on local needs, resources and initiative. — Catherine Arceneaux As a result of these forums, TSHL may identify priority concerns of ______older Texans for consideration at the TSHL Legislative Session set for INCOMING TSHL FOUNDATION September 2006. AAAs and DADS will receive grass roots input for aging service plans. OFFICERS 2006-2007 Several area agencies have agreed to convene forums, including Alamo, Bexar, Capitol Area, Central, Dallas, Heart of Texas, North Central, West Central Texas, Permian, Concho Valley, North Texas, Lower Rio Grande, and Tarrant County. Others are considering. The forums are a follow-up to the White House Conference on Aging, convened in Washington DC, December 11-14, 2005. The 1,200 Delegates were appointed by governors and Congressmen. Texas had 63 delegates, including TSHL members Ivan Arceneaux , Sharon L. Smith , Interim President, Barbara Effenberger , Oscar Garcia , Carlos Higgins , Chris Kyker , Susan Merrick , Vice President, and Lynn Homer Lear , David Leopard , Charlotte Parks , Betty Streckfuss, Shank , Secretary, with office of Treasurer Betty Trotter , Hazel Wright , and alternates Ruth Bowling, Chester not officially filled as of the January TSHLF Cunningham , and Harold Wright . meeting. As the Silver Bulletin went to Prior to the May 15-26 forums, the Texas Delegation will convene in Austin for a work session on April 22 in preparation for the forums. press, Jim Hine , recently retired DADS TSHL will also have an exhibit at the Texas Conference on Aging, Commissioner, had agreed to serve on the with information about TSHL and the follow-up forums. The Confer- Foundation Board and was expected to be ence will be held in El Paso, April 30-May 3. elected at the March 31 Foundation meet- — Speaker Chris Kyker ing in Austin.

PRSRT STD Published by the Texas Silver- US POSTAGE Haired Legislature, an advocacy PAID assemblage for Older Texans. 1507 Avenue N 1/2 Galveston, TX Galveston, Texas 77550-8134 Permit No. 305 CHRIS KYKER , Abilene Speaker CARLOS HIGGINS , Austin Speaker Pro Tem CHARLOTTE PARKS , Ben Wheeler Deputy Speaker Pro Tem ALBERT B. CAMPBELL , Bryan Secretary BARBARA EFFENBERGER , Seguin Comptroller IVAN J. ARCENEAUX , Galveston Editor & Publisher

Please send articles and photos to the Editor at 1507 Avenue N ½, Galveston, Texas 77550-8134 or email to [email protected] . Tel. ( 409) 762-6768. Better Texas through the Ages www.TxSHL.org Spring 2006