Make Aging a Strategic Priority for the State of MN
Minnesota is rapidly aging, with our 65+ population now larger than our school-aged population for the first time. This year, we celebrated surpassing one million older Minnesotans - the largest number in our history. This is an exciting time and it offers opportuntities but it also presents significant challenges for our state and communities.
On Tuesday, the House State Government Operations Committee will hear Representative Kozlowski's bill, HF 1797, designed to establish a permanent Age-Friendly Council to lead efforts in partnership with communities to ensure our state remains vibrant throughout the demographic shift.
The Age-Friendly Council is a permanent, independent Council composed of state agencies, a tribal representative, and public members representing older adults and age-friendly initiatives from across the state. The Council will work to mitigate and eliminate disparities and support rural and urban communities.
The Council is set to expire in July 2024 but work will be needed far beyond that date. As an important first step, the Council has already worked to enroll Minnesota in the Global Network of Age-Friendly States. This commitment puts Minnesota on the right track, but they must be able to continue this vital work rather than see it end.
This legislation will also continue to provide essential community grants to help towns, cities, counties, and other communities across the state meet the challenges of the demographic shift. The continuance of this Council is critical to the health and well-being of older adults in Minnesota.
Urge your lawmaker to pass a bill creating a permanent Age-Friendly Council.
RECIPIENTS:
- Your Representative
- Your Senator
