Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-01-24 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-01-24 House Journal Page 0155 HB 88 HOUSE BILL NO. 88 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 2001-01-24 House Journal Page 0156 "An Act changing the name of the Alaska Pioneers' Home to the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home and of the Alaska Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board to the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home Advisory Board; relating to services for veterans in the home; relating to the advisory board for the home; making other amendments to the statutes relating to the home; making conforming amendments to other statutes; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Military & Veterans' Affairs and the State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Administration The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 22, 2001, appears below: "Dear Speaker Porter: Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state except one. Yet, this is the only state in the nation without a veterans' home in service or development. At the same time, no other state operates a care program for seniors comparable to the Pioneers' Home system. We have a unique opportunity to enhance our Pioneers' Home system and serve our veterans at the same time. The bill I transmit today establishes the Alaska Pioneers' and Veterans' Home system as an efficient means to fully use our existing resources and serve our older veterans. This bill would allow use of some 100 Pioneers' Home beds statewide that are empty today because cost of care has increased faster than the operating budget. A certain number of beds in the Pioneers Homes would be reserved for veterans who meet eligibility requirements for admission, including being at least 65 years old, being an Alaska resident for at least one year, and needing the services the homes provide. The number of beds to be reserved for veterans would be determined by the department by regulation. 2001-01-24 House Journal Page 0157 Certainly the homes already serve a number of veterans. Some 78 current residents are veterans. Another 44 veterans are on the active waiting list. Because of operating budget inadequacies, I have requested, in addition to this legislation, nearly $2.5 million in General Funds and another $2.6 million in receipts for staff and ancillary services at the Pioneers Homes as part of my Fiscal Year 2002 operating budget. Fully staffed, a Pioneers' and Veterans' Home system can begin filling vacant beds and serving the needs of all Alaska seniors. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to recognize the service of Alaska's veterans, particularly those in need of long term care. To help guide us in future planning for services to meet the needs of veterans, I have also requested a $200,000 capital appropriation to conduct a veterans housing and health needs survey. The bill also modifies the membership of the Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board to include at least two veterans on the seven-member panel, with one seat reserved for the chair of the Alaska Veterans Advisory Council. I am introducing separate legislation today to establish that council in statute. Finally, the bill also places in statute the current practice of requiring a one-year residency for admission to the homes. This is in response to a court decision years ago that found the 15-year residency requirement unconstitutional. For years, building a veterans' home in Alaska has been an important goal of the state's veteran organizations. We can finally provide this service for our veterans and, at the same time, improve services for all Alaska senior citizens. I encourage your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor"