Area Agency on Aging Legislative Forum Set for April 13

Public invited to speak with state lawmakers about issues affecting older adults

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:00am

The Region IV Area Agency on Aging in St. Joseph is hosting its 19th annual Legislative Forum on April 13, giving the public a chance to directly address state lawmakers about concerns affecting older adults in Michigan. The event will also serve as a public hearing for the agency's next Multi-Year Plan, which determines how federal and state funds will be spent on aging services in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties through 2029.

Why it matters

The decisions made by state legislators in Lansing have a direct impact on the quality of life for Michigan's senior citizens. This forum provides an important opportunity for older adults, caregivers, and aging service professionals to voice their perspectives and priorities directly to their elected representatives.

The details

The Legislative Forum will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 13 at the Campus for Creative Aging in St. Joseph. State Representative Joey Andrews, state Representative Steve Carra, state Senator Jonathan Lindsey, and staff from state Senator Aric Nesbitt's office are expected to attend. In addition to the main forum, the agency will hold public hearings on its upcoming Multi-Year Plan in South Haven on April 15 and in Cassopolis on April 22.

  • The Legislative Forum will be held on April 13, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m.
  • A public hearing on the agency's Multi-Year Plan will be held on April 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. in South Haven.
  • Another public hearing on the agency's Multi-Year Plan will be held on April 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. in Cassopolis.

The players

Region IV Area Agency on Aging

A regional agency that provides services and advocates for older adults in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties in Michigan.

Christine Vanlandingham

The CEO of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging.

Joey Andrews

A state representative in Michigan.

Steve Carra

A state representative in Michigan.

Jonathan Lindsey

A state senator in Michigan.

Aric Nesbitt

A state senator in Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“Decisions made in Lansing have a direct impact on the quality of life for Michigan seniors, and this is a chance for all concerned residents to chime in.”

— Christine Vanlandingham, CEO, Region IV Area Agency on Aging

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This forum provides an important opportunity for older adults, caregivers, and aging service professionals to directly engage with their elected representatives and advocate for policies and funding that support the needs of Michigan's senior population.