Legislature(2015 - 2016)BUTROVICH 205
02/01/2016 01:30 PM Senate HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB72 | |
| SB145 | |
| SB147 | |
| SB98 | |
| SB55 | |
| SB124 | |
| SB151 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SB 124 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 151 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 72 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 145 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 98 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 55 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 124-EXTEND SUNSET ON AK COMMISSION ON AGING
1:48:50 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN announced the consideration of SB 124.
1:49:21 PM
SENATOR STOLTZE, sponsor, reviewed SB 124, a sunset bill that
would extend the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACOA) for eight
years. He noted the bill is straightforward and has been around
for years. It makes federal grants available for senior
Alaskans. The recently completed audit found a few advocacy
issues which are being addressed.
CHAIR STEDMAN said it is a simple extension of the Commission
until June 30, 2024.
CHAIR STEDMAN opened public testimony.
1:51:36 PM
RACHEL GREENBERG, Executive Director, Mat-Su Senior Services,
and Member, Alaska Commission on Aging, testified in support of
SB 124. She said the bill allows the state to access funds
through the Older Americans Act.
1:52:37 PM
DAVID LEVY, Senior Services Coordinator for Anchorage, and Staff
Support, Senior Advisory Commission, testified in support of SB
124. He noted that Alaska has one of the fastest growing senior
populations in the country and ACOA's role is critical in
providing relevant and important information on senior issues.
1:53:38 PM
MARIE DARLIN, Legislative Advocate, AARP, and Member, Alaska
Commission on Aging (ACOA), testified in support of SB 124. She
said AARP supports the re-authorization of SB 124, noting that
AARP works extensively with ACOA on many projects. It provides a
great service to the state and is a requirement for receiving
federal funds.
1:55:14 PM
DENISE DANIELLO, Executive Director, Alaska Commission on Aging
(ACOA), testified in support of SB 124. She provided background
on ACOA, which has been in place since 1981. The Commission
strives to provide a voice to ensure the dignity and
independence of all older Alaskans and works closely with the
Division of Senior and Disabilities Services in assisting the
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to carry out its
duties as the state agency on aging. The Division of Senior and
Disabilities Services administers the federal and state funding
for a variety of senior programs and services. The Commission
takes responsibility for developing a comprehensive state plan,
performing advocacy education, and outreach.
MS. DANIELLO reported that the senior population in Alaska has
grown. Currently, there are 120,444 people aged 60 and older, a
4.2 percent increase from last year. She said the work of the
Commission is more important than ever as that population
continues to grow.
She explained how the Commission forms a comprehensive state
plan for senior services. Since 2008, the Commission has
completed three state plans. The purpose of the plan is to
satisfy federal requirements. The Commission also prepares a
senior snapshot that provides information about senior programs
and demographics. The Commission also works closely with the
Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and last year published a
road map to address Alzheimer's disease and dementia. They make
recommendations to the governor and to the legislature regarding
legislation, regulations, and appropriations for programs and
services. The Commission advocated successfully for the creation
of the Medicaid Adult Dental Program, the re-authorization of
the Senior Benefits Program, and creation of the statewide
Silver Alert System.
She concluded that the Commission has made efforts over the
years in the area of brain health, senior housing, and senior
fall prevention. She called attention to the fact that seniors
represent a $3 billion industry for the state. Alaska seniors
appreciate the state programs that allow them to age in place in
Alaska.
2:00:56 PM
KRIS CURTIS, Legislative Auditor, Division of Legislative Audit,
Legislative Affairs Agency, answered questions regarding SB 124.
She stated that the division conducted a sunset review of the
Alaska Commission on Aging and concluded that the Commission is
serving the public's interest. The division recommended
extending the Commission for 8 more years. There were two small
recommendations, one to improve public noticing of the meetings,
and one to ensure a review of the legislation distribution list.
2:02:21 PM
CHAIR STEDMAN closed public testimony.
CHAIR STEDMAN held SB 124 in committee. He said he does not
anticipate any negative feedback and will bring the bill back at
the next meeting.