Sen. Leftwich Continues Push for ‘One Stop Shop’ Legislation for Aging Services

State Sen. Debbe Leftwich is continuing her push to create a Department of Aging to help older Oklahomans cut through red tape and bureaucracy for much needed services. Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City, is author of SB 809, which she initially introduced in the 2005 session. Leftwich said she is hopeful that 2006 will be the year Oklahoma seniors get the kind of streamlined services they’ve been requesting for years.

“Right before the session started, the Silver Haired Legislature stated once again that getting this bill passed was their top priority for 2006. It makes no sense for older Oklahomans to have to deal with at least eight different state agencies to try and get the help they so desperately need,” said Leftwich. “We need to simplify the process and I believe creating a Department of Aging is the way to do it.”

Leftwich said she is concerned that some older Oklahomans may become so frustrated trying to find their way through the maze of services that they simply give up trying to get any help at all. She also pointed out that Oklahoma, like the rest of the nation, is soon going to be dealing with an even larger population of older citizens as the “Baby-Boomers” enter retirement age.

“We currently have 600,000 Oklahomans over the age of 60 and by the year 2010 we will have more than a million Oklahomans over the age of 60. Well, 2010 is just around the corner. This is something we need to prepare for now,” said Leftwich. “That’s why I’m urging my fellow members to join me in supporting the creation of a Department of Aging to better serve older Oklahomans.”