West Virginia daily

In her new role as state president of the Minnesota Senior Federation (MSF), she will able to use her compassion, while being front and center, to promote causes that are important to senior citizens.

“It's going to be hard to follow in the footsteps of the past president (Ilene Iverson). She was a fantastic women and a mentor,” said Williams.

Williams also serves as president of the MSF North Star Region, which includes Koochiching, Itasca and west St. Louis counties, as president of the Itasca County Committee on Aging, on the executive board for Elder Circle for Itasca County and the advisory board for Human Services for Itasca County.

“She is very conscientious in what she has done. She has had many years of service with the federation and I think this will help further her efforts,” said Pehle.

Members of the federation help decide what issues will become priorities of the organization. Their lobbying of issues, including prescription drugs, property tax reform, Social Security, affordable housing, utility costs, transportation and Medicare equity, affect local, state and national government.

Besides lobbying, the MSF also has programs in place that benefit seniors across the state including the Pension Rights Center, which provides free counseling and claims assistance, Health Plan Information Center, which helps seniors obtain affordable health care services, Senior Partners Care, help for those who cannot afford a Medicare supplement and Retirement Planning, which provides legal referral and trust services.

She said many seniors feel they can't ask for help, but she said organizations such as the MSF are there to offer assistance and provide guidance for seniors.

She said many seniors aren't able to be active, but she said a big role they can play is calling the state Capitol and expressing their concerns.

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