Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL)
What is the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL)?- What are the goals of the TSHL?
- Who coordinates the TSHL elections in North Central Texas?
- Who can be a candidate for the TSHL?
- Who can vote in TSHL elections?
- Who are the current TSHL representatives for the North Central Texas area?
- When is the next TSHL election?
- Does the TSHL have its own web site?
- How can I get more information about the TSHL for the area covered by the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas?
What is the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL)?
The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature is a non-partisan, representative body of citizens 60+ years of age, elected by their peers. There are a total of 114 Texas Silver-Haired representatives. The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) was born when the 69th Texas Legislature adopted supportive legislation (S.C.R.37) in April 1985. The TSHL convenes in Austin in even-numbered years to consider and vote on proposed legislation that concerns the needs of older Texans. The objective of the TSHL is to serve the needs of both present and future older Texans.
What are the goals of the TSHL?
- To motivate older citizens to realize that legislative involvement is a primary responsibility of effective citizenship.
- To help older Texans know that if they are to become a viable political force, they must become informed and knowledgeable about the issues facing our community, state and nation.
- To develop a forum for older adults to discuss and debate issues concerning not only their own welfare, but that of others.
- To educate the Silver-Haired Legislators in their advocacy role in order that they may continue their involvement in legislative matters in their local community.
- To provide a legislative body in which the Silver-Haired Legislators will have the opportunity to introduce, discuss and pass resolutions dealing with major concerns of our state.
- To work for the passage in the regular Texas Legislature of those resolutions prioritized by the TSHL.
Who is eligible to serve as a Silver-Haired Legislator?
Any citizen who is 60 or over on January 1 of a TSHL election year, is a resident, and registered voter, of the district in which candidacy is sought.
Prospective candidates must obtain signatures from 25 registered voters who are at least 60 years of age and live in their district. Candidacy forms can be obtained by calling 1-800-272-3921, extension 7195.
Who can vote in TSHL elections?
Voters must be at least 60 years of age by the date of the election, be a registered voter, and reside in the same district as the candidate for whom they are voting.
Who are the current TSHL representatives for the North Central Texas area?
When is the next TSHL election?
TSHL elections are scheduled for April 2023. Should any vacancies remain after the election, interested persons may be appointed to fill those vacancies.
Does the TSHL have its own web site?
Yes. Click on the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature website.
How can I get more information about the TSHL for the area covered by the Area Agency on Aging of North Central Texas?
Contact Doni Green, Director of Aging Programs