Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/15/2008 10:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB120 | |
| SB209 | |
| SB243 | |
| SB254 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 120 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 209 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 243 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 254 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
SENATE BILL NO. 209
"An Act extending the termination date of the Alaska
Commission on Aging; and providing for an effective
date."
}Senator Bettye Davis, Sponsor, explained that SB 209 is
simply an extension of the termination date of the Alaska
Commission on Aging. She said the legislative audit
suggests the extension of the Commission.
10:17:37 AM
Senator Dyson asked what the recommendation of the audit
was. Senator Davis said the audit recommended that the
Commission be extended by five years. Additional changes
were recommended and are addressed in SB 243. The audit
recommended that some duties of the Commission be given to
the Department.
Senator Dyson asked if there was any analysis of what the
commission had accomplished. Senator Davis said the Alaska
State Plan, Senior Services FY 08-FY 2011 report, provides
that information and is in the bill packet.
Co-Chair Stedman asked if the eight-year extension is a
standard extension time. Senator Davis said that was the
recommended time for extending the Board.
10:19:46 AM
PAT DAVIDSON, LEGISLATIVE AUDITOR, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT
DIVISION, LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS AGENCY, summarized the audit.
She said that the eight-year extension is the standard
extension for commissions that are currently under the
sunset clause. The division recommends that the termination
date be extended. "The commission meets all the federal
requirements to have an advisory council consisting of older
individuals who are eligible to participate in federally
funded programs under the Older Americans Act." The audit
recommended that the administration of grants be moved to a
division within the Department of Health and Social Services
(DHSS) due to its experience as a granting agency. In 2003
the commission moved from Department of Administration to
DHSS. Legislative audit suggested the statute be changed to
reflect the shift in function and roles. At the time of the
move, the focus and intent changed from being a granting
agency to limiting the focus to advocacy, issues. She said
the audit also found that staff turnovers and vacancies
hampered the functions of the commission. She noted that
with the refocus on advocacy the commission is more
effective.
10:22:31 AM
Co-Chair Stedman addressed the fiscal note from the
Department of Health and Social Services for $482.8
thousand.
Senator Dyson commented on the quote from the analysis
"helping older Alaskans lead dignified, independent, and
productive lives." He said the wording provides no specifics
and no tools to measure effectiveness. He expressed
concerned about lack of goals and objectives that can be
measured.
Senator Thomas noted that the older population is
increasing, hence the need for greater funds.
10:25:54 AM
Senator Olson shared Senator Dyson's view, in general,
regarding the importance of quantifying needs for funds. He
underlined that the aging population is growing and the
importance of taking care of that segment of the population.
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to REPORT SB 209 out of Committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
note.
There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|