Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
02/01/2024 03:00 PM House HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB242 | |
| HB260 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 260 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 242 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
HB 242-EXTEND SENIOR BENEFITS PAYMENT PROGRAM
3:05:03 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 242, "An Act extending the Alaska senior benefits
payment program; and providing for an effective date."
3:05:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HB 242. She explained that HB 242 would
extend the sunset date on the Senior Benefits Payment Program by
10 years until June 2034. Alaska has a long-standing commitment
to its senior population, and this bill is especially crucial as
the cost of living rises. The support of seniors dates back to
1915. In 1950 Alaska paid bonuses of 12 dollars a year for
those who had lived in the state for a decade, acknowledging the
pioneers who had contributed to the building of the state. With
the oil boom in the 1970s, the longevity bonus program was
introduced. In 2003 the program changed to a needs-based
program with additional changes in 2004 and in 2007. The
income-based eligibility is tied to the federal poverty
guidelines, and the program addresses the rising costs to
seniors on fixed incomes. This program reaffirms the state's
dedication to assisting those who have contributed to Alaska's
rich history.
3:08:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked whether payment amounts would be
adjusted with inflation if the date is extended by 10 years.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE explained that adjusting for inflation is
already part of the program.
3:09:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER inquired about the net result for the
state of Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE explained that as a fiscal conservative,
she believes every dollar counts. However, with the rising cost
of food and medical services, this specifically would go to low-
income elders, who need an extra hand. She referred the
committee to the packet which shows the level of payment
depending on income which provides extra assistance for the
purchase of food or medicine. She explained that in her
district a third of her constituents are seniors, a majority of
whom rely on social security. Legislators consistently agree on
this program.
3:11:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER commented that this program is one of
several and that most of the recipients are likely to qualify
for Medicaid and additional low-income benefits. This is not
the only support for Alaska seniors.
3:11:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MINA asked whether there are other states that
have state-funded senior benefit programs similar to Alaska's.
ROBERT BALLINGER, Staff, Representative Sarah Vance, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of Representative Vance, prime
sponsor of HB 242, explained that there are no other states with
a program exactly like Alaska's although three other states have
similar programs.
3:12:14 PM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE, in response to questions from the
committee, explained that 10 years was chosen as a surety to the
seniors that the program would not go away. The Senate bill has
an eight-year extension, she noted.
3:13:39 PM
CHAIR PRAX announced that HB 242 was held over.