Senior Leadership Northeast Minutes from September 15, 2009

The September 15, 2009 meeting of Senior Leadership Northeast was convened at the Colleyville Chamber of Commerce building at 9:05 AM by Chairman Ed Havran.

 There were twelve (12) individuals present representing five (5) Northeast Tarrant County cities.

 David Baltimore spoke about the important upcoming election on November 3, 2009.  This election has not been well-publicized and will probably have a small turnout.  This gives us a prime opportunity to express ourselves.  There will be no offices elected.  This election will involve eleven (11) Amendments to the Texas Constitution with most affecting your pocketbook.  Please educate yourselves and encourage everyone you know to vote because their vote will count.    Mitzi Long with Representative Vicki Truitt’s office spoke to each of the Amendments and provided links for web sites with additional information.  Our email went over each Amendment and explained the “pros” and “cons”.  We sent an email to each person on our email list with a summary of the Amendments and links to web sites which provide information on the pros and cons for each.  Contents of our email are shown below:

 We have an important election regarding eleven (11) Amendments to the Texas Constitution on November 3, 2009.  Since most of these amendments may affect your pocket book, you should educate yourself on these Amendments before you vote.  A summary of these Amendments is attached in PDF format.

 You will find a summary of “pros” and ”cons” in the two links shown below. 

Early voting will start in late October

http://www.lwvtexas.org/2009VG/2009CAVG[FINAL].pdf

 http://www.hro.house.state.tx.us/focus/amend81.pdf

 AUSTIN – The ballot order for 11 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution was determined today through a random drawing by Secretary of State Hope Andrade.

“This November, voters will make important decisions regarding possible amendments to our state’s governing document,” said Andrade. “I look forward to again working with election officials across our great state to ensure that our elections process remains fair, secure, and accessible.”

 Enacted in 1876, the Texas State Constitution has been amended more than 400 times. Proposed constitutional amendments must pass by a two-thirds vote in both houses of the state legislature to be considered on the ballot. These eleven amendments were approved for consideration by the 81st Legislature and require a majority vote to be amended to the constitution.

“During these summer months, I encourage Texans to register to vote or update their registration if their address has recently changed to ensure they are eligible to cast their ballots in November. I hope Texans will recognize the role they can play in our state’s future and head to the polls this fall.”

 The last day to register to vote in November’s election is October 5.

Official Ballot Language and Order for the Nov.3, 2009 Constitutional Amendment Election

Proposition 1 HJR 132

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the financing, including through tax increment financing, of the acquisition by municipalities and counties of buffer areas or open spaces adjacent to a military installation for the prevention of encroachment or for the construction of roadways, utilities, or other infrastructure to protect or promote the mission of the military installation."

 Proposition 2 HJR 36-1

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for the ad valorem taxation of a residence homestead solely on the basis of the property's value as a residence homestead."

 Proposition 3 HRJ 36-3 "The constitutional amendment providing for uniform standards and procedures for the appraisal of property for ad valorem tax purposes."

 Proposition 4 HJR 14-2

"The constitutional amendment establishing the national research university fund to enable emerging research universities in this state to achieve national prominence as major research universities and transferring the balance of the higher education fund to the national research university fund."

Proposition 5 HJR 36-2

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to authorize a single board of equalization for two or more adjoining appraisal entities that elect to provide for consolidated equalizations."

Proposition 6 HJR 116

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the Veterans' Land Board to issue general obligation bonds in amounts equal to or less than amounts previously authorized."

 Proposition 7 HJR 127

"The constitutional amendment to allow an officer or enlisted member of the Texas State Guard or other state militia or military force to hold other civil offices."

 Proposition 8 HJR 7

"The constitutional amendment authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state."

 Proposition 9 HJR 102

"The constitutional amendment to protect the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico."

Proposition 10 HJR 85

"The constitutional amendment to provide that elected members of the governing boards of emergency services districts may serve terms not to exceed four years."

 Proposition 11 HJR 14-1 "The constitutional amendment to prohibit the taking, damaging, or destroying of private property for public use unless the action is for the ownership, use, and enjoyment of the property by the State, a political subdivision of the State, the public at large, or entities granted the power of eminent domain under law or for the elimination of urban blight on a particular parcel of property, but not for certain economic development or enhancement of tax revenue purposes, and to limit the legislature's authority to grant the power of eminent domain to an entity.

Patrick Shanahan with Senior Helpers spoke about senior living options and PAS (Personal Assistance Services).  Various living options include:  living independently at home, senior living centers, retirement centers, assisted living centers, skilled nursing care, memory centers (Alzheimer’s), CCRC (a community-buy equity in it and when you need it they pay for your care), Companion Services.  Long Term Care Insurance now covers Memory Care

PAS is fully licensed and full-service, and they take veterans, long-term insurance or private pay.  Medicare will not pay for PAS, but it does pay for Home Health or Hospice

(1 time/day, 1 service, 1 hour)  This leaves a huge gap of medical needs not covered.

Eighty to ninety percent of Pat’s cases involve dementia, which is the fastest growing area.  The fear of dementia has surpassed the fear of cancer.

If you’re a veteran,  check on the ANA special pension for veterans which will pay for PAS and was the first to pay for Alzheimer’s.  Most people don’t know about this.

Pat also recommended getting long-term care insurance.

 Pat also briefly went over HB 3200.  (Two positions that are appointed have too much authority). 

It was commented in the group that AARP has not proven to be a great advocate for seniors, another group is growing.

 Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 AM.  Next meeting will be October 20, 2009.

 Respectfully submitted,

 

Rebecca Barksdale