(L to R) Speaker Kyker and Chairman Garcia with Governor Rick Perry

The Silver-Haired Legislature was founded in 1973 in Missouriand has since been adopted in 31 states. Conceived in 1979, the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature was formed in 1985by the 69th Texas Legislature. The elected members of theTSHL met for the first time for a training session in July1986. This nonpartisan and non-profit organization is composed of 116 representatives elected to two-year termsby Texans over 60 years of age.

Strategic Plan

The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature Strategic Plan providesa guide to the future of the Association. The plan is basedupon the Legislative authorization from the 69th Texas Legislatureand the Association vision statement.

Goals

There are six main goals that the TSHL strives to achieve.The TSHL goals center around Senior welfare and range frommotivation and education to provision of an open discussionforum for Seniors. The objective of these goals is to realizepassage of TSHL priorities in the Texas Legislature.

The TSHL offices generally mirror those ofthe Texas House of Representatives. Officers are electedby TSHL members to the positions of Speaker, Speaker Pro-Tem,Deputy Speaker Pro-Tem, Secretary and Comptroller. In additionthere are several offices in the Administrative and LegislativeCommittees.

The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature strives to promote good government for all Texans by directly involving Senior citizens in the legislative process. TSHL provides a nonpartisan forum for discussion and debate of Senior issues, advocacy training and an avenue through which older citizens may serve as a resource to both public and private sectors.

A memorial to past members who served the TSHL. Their friendshipand service are greatly missed.