J. C. and Ruth Watkins, left, meet in Raleigh with Gov. Beverly Perdue at the Governor’s Mansion at the 15-year anniversary of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature of which Ruth is a member.
Ruth and J. C. Watkins of Rockingham were guests, along with others, of Gov. Beverly Perdue at the Governor’s Mansion in Raleigh recently at the 15th anniversary of the Senior Tar Heel Legislature.
Ruth Watkins is the Richmond County delegate to that legislature and its parliamentarian. J. C. Watkins was a guest. Bobbie Williams of Hamlet is the county alternate delegate.
The reception was Perdue’s first formal public meeting held at the mansion.
The STHL was created by the N.C. General Assembly in 1993 to provide information to senior citizens on the legislative process and matters being considered by the assembly.
Priorities for the next two years include:
n Funding to sustain the Caregiver Alternatives to the Running on Empty project.
n Increase funds for home and community-based services for older adults.
n Increase funds for senior centers by an additional $2 million in recurring funds.
n Implement practical and cost-effective steps to address concerns related to mixing of diverse populations in long-term facilities also used to house younger adults with mental illness and frail older citizens in long-term care facilities.
n Put a cap on increasing property values for people over 60 years of age who are eligible for the Homestead Exemption.
Delegates and alternates to the legislature must be a least 60 years of age or older.
The N.C. Division of Aging provides staff support for the Senior Legislature in cooperation with the 17 Area Agencies on Aging which are responsible for conducting the selection of delegates and alternates.
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