Legislature(2007 - 2008)BELTZ 211
05/08/2007 09:00 AM Senate STATE AFFAIRS
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB8 | |
| SB144 | |
| SB40 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 40 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 143 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 144 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SB 40 - LONGEVITY BONUS REAPPLICATIONS
9:39:42 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE announced consideration of SB 40.
SENATOR BILL WIELECHOWSKI, bill sponsor, was available to
respond to any questions from the committee.
CHAIR MCGUIRE closed public testimony on SB 40.
9:40:29 AM
CHAIR MCGUIRE asked for an opinion whether a needs-based program
could be offered as an amendment.
TAMARA COOK, Director, Legal Services Division, Legislative
Affairs, said a needs-based amendment could replace the
longevity bonus program but it would be problematic if it was
limited to former applicants because of equal protection. The
committee would have to consider a program that was open to new
applicants under a needs-based scenario. Also, the residency
issue would need to be considered. Most needs-based programs
cannot have a durational residency as long as a year, which is
the current longevity bonus program. Essentially, the committee
would be faced with creating a new needs-based program available
to all who qualify under whatever criteria are established.
9:42:01 AM
SENATOR FRENCH said the policy choice is to embrace this model
or embrace the senior care model which is essentially the needs-
based program being discussed. He supports both.
SENATOR BUNDE said he has no interest in amending the bill to a
needs-based plan. He believes the reinstatement of the longevity
bonus is highly unlikely and he does not support it. He prefers
the senior care program. Moving this bill forward provides false
hope. The policy statement should clearly state that there will
be some type of senior care, but the longevity bonus will not
reappear.
CHAIR MCGUIRE said her concern is that the senior care package
is stalled. A case has been made that seniors need help and the
senator believes that elders in a society should be taken care
of. Discussion of what the state will do for its seniors needs
to continue.
9:45:26 AM
SENATOR FRENCH said he wants to see the legislature do
something. He supports the bill moving on to the Finance
Committee where discussion will continue.
SENATOR FRENCH moved to report CSSB 40(HES), from committee with
individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal note.
SENATOR BUNDE objected. He said he believes the longevity
program is not viable, but he will support a senior care program
when it comes forward. He expects a solution at the end of the
session but this bill is not it.
9:46:34 AM
A roll call vote was taken on the motion of passing CSSB 40(HES)
out of committee. Senators Green, French, Stevens, and McGuire
voted in favor and Senator Bunde voted against. Therefore CSSB
40(HES) and the attached fiscal notes moved from committee with
individual recommendations.
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