2025 Media Advisory – KSHL Annual Session

MEDIA ADVISORY

Kansas Silver Haired Legislature Sets 2026 Legislative Priorities
Medical Cannabis • Property Tax Relief • Medicaid & SNAP • Voting Rights • Senior Transportation

Topeka, KS — October 9, 2025

The Kansas Silver Haired Legislature (KSHL), a non-partisan volunteer body representing Kansans aged 60 and older, has concluded its annual session at the Kansas State Capitol and adopted five priority resolutions that will be presented to the Kansas Legislature and Governor during the 2026 legislative session.

“These resolutions reflect the real priorities of seniors across Kansas,” said Leroy Burton, KSHL Speaker of the House. “Older Kansans want to see accessible healthcare, fair taxation, the protection of their voting rights, reliable transportation options, and sensible approaches to medical cannabis. We call on the Kansas Legislature to act boldly and compassionately on these issues.”

KSHL Priorities and Resolutions

• Medical Cannabis Access – Support for Senate Bill 294 to regulate and license the cultivation, processing, and use of medical cannabis in Kansas.
• Property Tax Relief – Support for SB 215 or similar legislation to provide property tax relief for seniors facing rising costs.
• Medicaid & Food Assistance – Preserve Medicaid, home- and community-based services, and SNAP; support Medicaid expansion to leverage federal resources.
• Voting Rights – Oppose any legislation that restricts voting access for seniors and other voters; protect mail-in, early voting, and polling accessibility.
• Senior Transportation – Urge continued legislative funding for collaborative community-based transportation systems in rural, remote, and metropolitan areas, including micro-transit, with strong local control and KDOT coordination.

Seniors represent 25% of registered voters in Kansas, with nearly 80% turnout in the 2024 general election—the highest of any age group. KSHL resolutions highlight the growing impact of Kansas’s aging population on public policy, economic stability, and civic life.

About the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature
Created by an Act of Congress in 1969 and established in Kansas in 1982 by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1649, the Kansas Silver Haired Legislature identifies priority concerns of Kansans aged 60 and older and develops legislative recommendations for state leaders. Members are elected from all 105 counties and serve voluntarily to advocate on behalf of older Kansans.

For more Information:

Leroy Burton, KSHL Speaker of the House 316-670-4127, leburton@cox.net  or

Chuck Schmidt, Speaker Pro Tem, 620-330-4576, cschmidt3131@gmail.com