Visit www.ncseniorlegislature.org for more information.
George Smith speaking to Clayton, NC seniors as your NC Senior Tar Heel Legislative Delegate.
Call to speak or text with your
local advocate: (919) 605-5970
Meet Your Local
Senior Tar Heel Legislature Delegate
George Smith of Clayton, NC, is your Johnston County Delegate, your advocate. Each delegate is appointed for a two year term, and often an alternate is also appointed. Our alternate is Jimmy Parker. Delegates and/or alternates meet three times a year to study issues concerning older citizens to develop legislative recommendations to present to the NC General Assembly.
Since 1993, the NCSTHL has supported the passage of 11 bills into law, and has consistently promoted increased funding for programs supporting older adults and their caregivers and policies to protect them.
NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature Announces Five Legislative Priorities for 2023-24
October 5, 2022 – Raleigh, NC
The NC Senior Tar Heel Legislature recommends these priorities to the NC General Assembly:
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Allocate an additional $8M in recurring funds for Adult Protective Services (APS) to address staff shortages. In SFY 21, APS received 32,075 repots across the state, compared to 14,001 reports in SFY 2005-2006, reflecting an increase of 1239% in 17 years.
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Increase the Senior Center General Purpose Appropriation by $1,265,316 in recurring funds. Senior Center General Purpose funding is currently $1,265,316, which is not meeting the demand of a growing population.
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Allocate an additional $8M in recurring funds for the Home and Community Care Block Grant. The Home and Community Care Block Grant is the primary funding source for community-based programs that support people 60 and older and current funding is insufficient to meet the need. The current appropriation is $36.9M.
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Allocate an additional $1.5M in recurring funds for 11 Additional Long-Term Care Ombudsmen. Ombudsmen serve as advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, providing protections for vulnerable elders. The current state appropriation for this program is $918.8K.
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Strengthen Long-Term Care Staffing Standards. In nursing homes, NC mandates minimum staffing standards for RNs and LPNs. For certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), there are no staffing standards, resulting in a strong likelihood of substandard care of frail elders.
Jimmy Parker, NC Senior Tar Heel Legislative
Delegate Alternate.
Click to read the full Fact Sheets on:
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Funding for NC Adult Protective Services
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Funding for NC Senior Centers
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Funding for NC Long-Term Care Ombudsmen
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Staffing Standards for NC Long-Term Care Facilities
