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
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Subject Pass HF1971/SF1749 - Make the Age-Friendly Council Permanent

Dear Decision Maker,

I urge you to support establishing a permanent Age-Friendly Council (HF 1971; Rep. Kozlowski/ SF 1749 Senator Putnam) this year. An Age-Friendly state and community enable residents to thrive at every age and stage of life.

As you know, our state is experiencing a historic demographic shift, and our communities are now older than ever. In fact, this year, we celebrated surpassing one million older Minnesotans - the largest number in our history. This is an exciting time and offers opportunities but it also presents significant challenges for our state and communities.

The Legislation is designed to establish a permanent Age-Friendly Council to lead state efforts in partnership with communities to ensure our state remains vibrant throughout the demographic shift. First established through an Executive Order and authorized by the Minnesota Legislature through 2024, the critical work must continue. As an important first step, the Council has already worked to enroll Minnesota in the Global WHO/AARP Network of Age-Friendly States. Across the state, nearly 20 communities have enrolled in the network. This commitment puts Minnesota on the right track, but the Council must be able to continue this vital work rather than see it end.

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By enacting a permanent Council, the work will continue to develop a strategic plan that will focus on equity and improving the lives of all residents by promoting change and coordinating the work of state agencies, local governments, communities, and the private sector to build a more Age-Friendly state.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Thank you.

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