CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 236(FIN) "An Act extending the Alaska senior benefits payment program." 10:13:25 AM MERCEDES COLBERT, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT KAWASAKI, explained the bill. She stated that it would extend the sunset clause to 2024. 10:16:12 AM AT EASE 10:16:59 AM RECONVENED 10:17:19 AM MONICA WINDOM, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, spoke in support of the bill. Co-Chair MacKinnon asked for more information about the eligibility requirements. Ms. Windom responded that an individual who would want senior benefits must submit an application and report their income to the department. That income was verified several different ways. She stated that the social security interface would provide information about residency and citizenship. She stated that the information would allow for determination of the amount of the eligible benefit. Co-Chair MacKinnon queried a qualification interface with the permanent fund dividend. Ms. Windom replied in the affirmative. Senator von Imhof queried more difficult to verify income. Ms. Windom replied that there could be a request of a copy of the tax return. Senator von Imhof surmised that the verification process would be determined based on how it was listed in the application. Ms. Windom replied in the affirmative. 10:20:18 AM Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered how many people received the program benefits. Ms. Windom replied that in December 2017, there were 11,322 individuals receiving senior benefits. The level that currently received $76 per month were 5,183 individuals; the $175 benefit level had $4,597 individuals; and the $250 benefit had $1,493 individuals. Senator Stevens queried the poverty level of each of those benefit levels. Ms. Windom replied that 100 percent of the poverty level was approximately $1600 per month. Co-Chair MacKinnon wondered whether the program was at 100 percent poverty level, or 203 percent poverty level. Ms. Windom replied that it varied, because the different levels depended on the level of poverty. Co-Chair MacKinnon surmised that it was 175 percent of the poverty level. Ms. Windom deferred to Ms. Colbert. Co-Chair MacKinnon queried the annual benefit for a qualified individual, and the percentages used as the criteria to filter the candidates. Ms. Colbert replied that at 75 percent of the federal poverty line, an individual received $250 in monthly payments, and must make $11,295 annually. She stated that the 75 percent poverty level for a married couple was $15,218. She stated that a 100 percent poverty line level received $175 per month, and their individual income must be $15,060; and a married couple would be $20,290. She shared that at the 170 percent poverty line, at an individual would make $26,355; and a married couple would be $35,508 annually. 10:24:33 AM DEB ETHERIDGE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SENIOR AND DISABILITY SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), introduced herself. Co-Chair MacKinnon queried comments on the legislation. Ms. Etheridge replied that she had no comment. 10:25:22 AM KEN HELANDER, ADVOCACY DIRECTOR, AARP, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the reauthorization of the Senior Benefits Program. He testified in support of the legislation, as a critical safety net program for thousands of Alaskans over 65-years-old. He urged reconsideration of restoration of money taken from beneficiaries as 175 percent of federal poverty level two years prior. He stressed that the 175 percent meant that they could not make any more than that level. Senator Micciche asked whether there was a letter from Mr. Helander on record. 10:29:56 AM DAVID BLACKETER, CHAIR, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING, KODIAK (via teleconference), shared that he and his wife had financial obligations. He spoke in support of the bill, because it provided money to pay for groceries. 10:31:17 AM GORDON GLASER, MEMBER, ALASKA COMMISSION ON AGING, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in support of the legislation. He echoed the previous testifiers. He stressed that the program was targeted toward the older and more frail communities. He stressed that it provided independence and dignity. Senator Stevens asked for thoughts on whether those who were in an assisted living homes receipt of the benefit. Mr. Glaser replied that it was something worth examining. He stressed that it was difficult to remove a service. 10:34:29 AM BILL WILLIAMS, SERVICE COORDINATOR, SOUTHEAST SENIOR SERVICES, shared that he worked with seniors in Juneau who lived in public housing. He tried to help those people to live more independently, so to keep the burden away from the Pioneer Home. He spoke in support of the bill. He remarked that most of his clients had senior benefits. He shared a personal story. Senator Stevens wondered whether Section 8 housing was considered assisted living. Mr. Williams replied in the negative. He stated that Section 8 housing was government subsisted housing. 10:39:42 AM MIKE COONS, PRESIDENT, ALASKA CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATION OF MATURE AMERICAN CITIZENS, PALMER (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. 10:42:10 AM GEORGE PIERCE, SELF, KASILOF (via teleconference), spoke in support of the bill. 10:44:00 AM JAYNE ANDREEN, VOLUNTEER, AARP, DOUGLAS, spoke in support of the bill. Co-Chair MacKinnon announced that amendments were due by Friday at 5pm. She also discussed the following day's agenda. CSHB 236(FIN) was HEARD and HELD in committee for further consideration.