Forum gives voice to senior citizens

Tuesday, July 28, 1998 | 10:56 a.m.

Nevada senior citizens will have a chance Monday to voice their concerns about issues affecting them to a group that will report its findings to the governor.

The Nevada Silver-Haired Legislative Forum was created by the 1997 Legislature and authorized by Gov. Bob Miller to appoint one member from each state Senate district on a nonpartisan basis. The purpose of the forum and its 21 members is to identify issues and concerns affecting Nevada's seniors and to report them to the governor for possible legislative action.

The meeting is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Showboat hotel-casino. Members of the forum will prepare and submit a report of suggestions to present to the 1999 Legislature by Aug. 15.

When the Legislature authorized the establishment of the forum, the state provided $5,000 for one-day operational per diem allowances. Members of the current forum, however, say the funding is not sufficient to cover the expense of holding hearings, compiling reports or attending the Legislature as advocates for seniors. Members say the forum must raise $57,674 to meet its goals and is currently accepting donations through the state Division of Aging Services.

Members of the forum also will visit senior centers and mobile-home parks to identify concerns and issues by having seniors fill out questionnaires.

Anyone interested in filling out a questionnaire should contact Pauline Goldman at 732-2085 or Mary Allred at 451-3613.