Thursday, Dec. 8, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
or Barry Bennett, 573-751-1088
Blunt’s Appointees, Including Lt. Governor, Join Others to Help Shape Nation’s Aging Policy
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt appointed four of Missouri’s 19 delegates who will attend the White House Conference on Aging this weekend. Among his appointees is Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder. The lieutenant governor serves as Missouri’s official senior advocate.
“I am extremely proud of all Missouri’s delegates and honored they have agreed to represent our state. Their knowledge in the aging field and their compassion are unparalleled,” Blunt said. “They will promote dignity, health and economic security for American seniors now and for generations to come.”
Earlier this month, Lt. Governor Kinder hosted a work session for Missouri’s delegation at the State Capitol to review the proposals that will be presented at the Conference.
“As America’s senior population grows, and as Baby Boomer’s reach retirement age, issues of healthcare, financial security and personal independence confront us all,” said Lt. Gov. Kinder. He added, “I’m honored to represent Gov. Blunt and Missouri at this important and historic conference. I am confident that the ideas shared at the Conference will sharpen our focus on the concerns of our seniors.”
In addition to the governor’s four appointees, members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation selected 11 representatives and the White House Conference on Aging Policy Committee selected the remaining four. Twelve hundred delegates from all 50 states will make recommendations to President Bush and Congress to help guide national aging policies December 11 – 14, 2005, in Washington DC.
The first White House Conference on Aging occurred in 1961, sparked by shifting American demographics and a rapid increase in the number of elderly. That conference and subsequent ones in 1971, 1981 and 1995 contributed to the establishment of key aging programs like Medicare, the Older Americans Act, the Supplemental Security Income Program and the National Institute on Aging. The 2005 conference theme is, “The Booming Dynamics of Aging: From Awareness to Action.”
Each state’s delegate numbers are based on a formula that includes, among other things, a state’s percentage of individuals aged 55 and older. For instance, states with a small percentage of elderly will not have as many delegates as those with a high percentage. Missouri has a high percentage of those aged 60 and over, ranking 14th nationally, according to the 2000 Census. The names of Missouri’s delegates follow.
Governor’s appointees:
Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, Jefferson City
Official Senior Advocate for Missouri
Dr. Jeffery Kerr, Rolla
Geriatrician, former president of Missouri Association of Long-Term Care Physicians
Nancie McAnaugh, Jefferson City
Deputy Director, Department of Health and Senior Services
Betty Sims, Jefferson City
Former State Senator; Project Manager, Department of Health and Senior Services
Congressional delegate and appointee:
Sen. Christopher “Kit” Bond - Brenda Lax, Kansas City
Sen. Jim Talent - Angeletta McCormick Franks, St. Louis
Rep. Todd Akin - Debra Cochran, Chesterfield
Rep. Roy Blunt - Dorothy Knowles, Springfield
Rep. Russ Carnahan - Susan Stark, St. Louis
Rep. William Lacy Clay - Ollie Stewart, St. Louis
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II - Hila Newman, Kansas City
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson - Loyd Matthews, Poplar Bluff
Rep. Sam Graves - David Duncan, Mound City
Rep. Kenny Hulshof - Mary Lou Brennan, Hannibal
Rep. Ike Skelton - Janice Bramwell, Buffalo
At-large delegates:
Ann Bannes, St. Louis
Marcia Kerz, St. Louis
Nancy Morrow-Howell, St. Louis
Gregory Reynders, St. Louis
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