The Senior Tar Heel Legislature, as the official advocates for North Carolina’s older population, has a lengthy history of advocacy, although its influence has waned in recent years. However, the organization’s leaders are now focused on becoming a more assertive and diverse force for change during future legislative sessions. The Senior Tar Heel Legislature was established by the General Assembly in July 1993, thanks to then-Senator Beverly Perdue’s sponsorship of a bill. The body’s purpose is to address the most pressing needs of older adults in North Carolina and to encourage state legislators to pass legislation that benefits this demographic.
In its early years, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature consisted of individuals with experience in politics, including former legislators and county commissioners. This expertise contributed to the organization’s effectiveness during its first 10 to 15 years. However, recently, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature has struggled to achieve its goals. Norma Duncan, the outgoing speaker, expressed disappointment in the group’s record, particularly during a General Assembly session without a budget.
For the current legislative session, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature has identified several top priorities, such as securing funding for Adult Protective Services, senior centers, Home and Community Care Block Grants, long-term care facility staffing, and new ombudsmen positions. These priorities aim to address the specific needs of North Carolina’s older residents.
The Senior Tar Heel Legislature faced challenges during the past 10 to 12 years due to Republican control of the state legislature. However, the organization’s leaders believe that blaming the General Assembly for the slow progress on aging-related legislation is not productive. They assert that Governor Roy Cooper should also play a more active role in advocating for older adults. While Cooper has made some efforts, such as providing housing assistance, he has not prioritized issues like Personal Needs Allowance and Adult Protective Services, which is discouraging to many within the Senior Tar Heel Legislature.
Although Cooper has initiated a plan on aging called “All Ages, All Stages NC,” the leaders of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature believe he could do more to push for legislation that benefits older adults in the state. The Senior Tar Heel Legislature was able to secure representation on the plan’s steering committee through the efforts of its members and engagement with Joyce Massey-Smith, the director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services. This resulted in the appointment of Bill Lamb, an experienced aging advocate.
During its early years, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature achieved success by working with lawmakers to pass bills that increased funding for various programs and services. Leaders like Mary Odom and Althea Taylor-Jones played instrumental roles in advancing the organization’s agenda. However, capturing the attention of legislators has become more challenging due to competing priorities. To make progress, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature aims to lay a foundation for its initiatives and establish unified advocacy efforts.
North Carolina’s population of individuals aged 60 and older is projected to increase by 40% by 2040, making this demographic influential in elections and policy-making. However, older voters in the state tend to be divided between political parties. To enhance its effectiveness, the Senior Tar Heel Legislature recognizes the importance of individuals like Elliotte Ashburn, who is passionate about increasing older adults’ access to high-speed internet in rural communities. Ashburn also emphasizes the need for stronger connections with older people of color across North Carolina.
The Senior Tar Heel Legislature acknowledges that some older adults struggle to accept help or assert their needs due to values like self-reliance and nonconfrontation. This reluctance hinders their ability to receive the support and attention they deserve. Moving forward, the organization aims to bridge the gap by engaging in conversations about these issues and working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older North Carolinians.
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