Seniors aged 60 and older who are interested in working for the benefit of California seniors can file a petition for candidacy for the California Senior Legislature by 4 p.m. on April 15.

The CSL, which is modeled after the state Legislature, is comprised of volunteers who promote and support legislation that would benefit seniors in California.

CSL was created through law enacted by the regular California Legislature. Funding is provided through voluntary contributions on the state income tax form. No state funds are used to support CSL.

The CSL legislative sessions are convened at the State Capitol each October. During the session, CSL members participate in hearing testimony, debating issues and voting approval or disapproval of their senior legislative proposals. Other sessions are held throughout the year. Following the CSL's sessions, members seek legislators who will sponsor their proposals before the regular California legislative session.

The CSL has two representatives for the Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Tuolumne county areas, one senator and one assembly member. Any registered voter in the five counties who is 60 years of age or older may apply for a seat. Final decisions on the representatives will be made at the May 17 Advisory Council meeting in Sonora. Each candidate will have an opportunity to give a short presentation and answer questions prior to the council voting.

Candidates should be aware that there are out-of-pocket expenses associated with these positions, such as travel to Sacramento and overnight stays.

For more information or a nomination application packet, contact Linda Zach at (800) 510-2020. The nomination packet includes a petition for candidacy that requires the signatures of 25 registered voters who are 60 years of age or older from the Area 12 Agency on Aging service area (counties listed above). A biographical statement/resume should be attached to the signed petition.