Number 478                                                                   
                                                                               
  MS. STERLING noted there were four bills on this topic:                      
  HB 81, SB 6, SB 58, and HB 77, each of which had its own                     
  weakness.  She asked if the program could be based on need.                  
                                                                               
  Number 491                                                                   
                                                                               
  REPRESENTATIVE OLBERG discussed needs' based programs.  Many                 
  people with needs would not utilize available programs                       
  because of pride, he said.                                                   
                                                                               
  MS. STERLING pointed out social security and medicaid did                    
  not have a stigma attached to them.                                          
                                                                               
  Number 511                                                                   
                                                                               
  COMMISSIONER USERA discussed needs' based programs in the                    
  Department of Administration such as the Older Alaskans                      
  Commission and the Pioneer Home.  She claimed there was a                    
  network of support for senior citizens and that assistance                   
  for senior citizens had expended.