2019-02-20                     House Journal                      Page 0182
HB 60                                                                                                                         
HOUSE BILL NO. 60 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                                                    
the Governor, entitled:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
     "An Act repealing the senior benefits payment program; and                                                                 
     providing for an effective date."                                                                                          
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Community & Regional                                                                
Affairs, Health & Social Services, and Finance Committees.                                                                      
                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                

2019-02-20                     House Journal                      Page 0183
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                                   
2.  Fiscal, Dept. of Health & Social Services                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
The Governor's transmittal letter dated February 12 follows:                                                                    
                                                                                                                                
"Dear Chief Clerk:                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the Senior Benefits                                                          
Payment Program.                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
This bill would repeal the Senior Benefits Payment Program. The                                                                 
program provides three payment levels based on the senior's gross                                                               
annual income and income limits are tied to the Federal Poverty                                                                 
Guidelines for Alaska and change each year and eligibility and                                                                  
enrollment increases each year as the guidelines change. There is no                                                            
asset test to determine eligibility. Currently, the program is set to                                                           
expire on June 30, 2024. This bill sets the repeal date to June 30, 2019.                                                       
                                                                                                                                
I urge your favorable action on this measure.                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Michael J. Dunleavy                                                                                                             
Governor"