The community is invited to meet with state elected officials at the 19th annual tri-county Legislative Forum on Monday, April 13 hosted by Region IV Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
The forum is set for 2-4 p.m. at the Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph.
The event will provide an opportunity for seniors, caregivers, people with disabilities, and professionals working in the field of aging to engage in a dialog with state legislators around a platform of issues key to people’s ability to age with dignity and independence in their own homes and communities.
“Decisions made in Lansing have a direct and far-reaching impact on the quality of life for seniors in Michigan,” Christine Vanlandingham, chief executive officer for AAA, says.
“This annual event brings the community together to meet with their state representatives, senators, and public policy staff to discuss critical issues facing seniors in Southwest Michigan.”
The advocates will urge legislators to take action and ensure adequate funding in the FY2027 budget for critical support and services older adults need to stay independent in their homes.
In addition, the event will serve as a public hearing for AAA’s Multi-Year Plan (MYP). The plan indicates how federal Older Americans Act and state Older Michiganians Act funds will be spent to support services for older adults in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties for the period Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2029.
Additional Public Hearings will be held:
- 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 15 at Senior Services of Van Buren County, 8337 M-140, South Haven
- 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at Cass County Council on Aging, 60525 Decatur Rd, Cassopolis
A summary of the MYP will be made available by March 30 at
www.AreaAgencyonAging.org or can be requested by calling 269-982-7740. Written comments may be submitted by letter to 2900 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph, MI, 49085, or e-mailed to info@areaagencyonaging.org by May 15.
Set to attend the Forum on April 13 are Representatives Joey Andrews (D-District 38) and Steve Carra (R-District 36), and Senator Jonathon Lindsey (R-District 17). Legislative staff for Senator Aric Nesbitt (R-District 20) are also scheduled to attend.
Representatives from all state and national legislative districts covering Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties are invited to attend.
A live-stream link will be available on AAA’s website, www.areaagencyonaging.org. Requests for accessibility accommodations such as language translation, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices, or transportation services can be made by contacting Area Agency on Aging prior to the event.
For more information, visit www.areaagencyonaging.org.
