Legislature(2007 - 2008)Anch LIO Conf Rm
06/06/2007 04:00 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB4 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 4 | TELECONFERENCED | |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
nd
Anchorage LIO, 2 Floor Conference Room 220
June 6, 2007
4:09 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Meyer called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 4:09:17 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mike Chenault, Co-Chair
Representative Kevin Meyer, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Vice-Chair
Representative Harry Crawford
Representative Les Gara
Representative Reggie Joule
Representative Mike Hawker
Representative Mike Kelly
Representative Mary Nelson
Representative Bill Thomas Jr.
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Richard Foster
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Craig Johnson; Representative Mike Doogan;
Representative Paul Seaton; Ginny Austerman, Staff,
Representative Olson; Karleen Jackson, Commissioner,
Department of Health and Social Services; Janet Clarke,
Assistant Commissioner, Division of Finance and Management
Services, Department of Health and Social Services; Mike
Friend, Access Alaska, Anchorage; Sandy Camery, Mabel T.
Caverly Senior Center, Anchorage; Jay Dulany, Self; Kevin
Turkington, SeniorCare of Alaska, Anchorage; Ray Clemens,
Senior Voice, Older Person's Action Group, Anchorage;
Rochelle Davis, UAA, Anchorage; Theresa Panchat, Marlow
Manor Assisted Living Center, Anchorage; Shelly Hinges,
Alaska Primary Care Association, Anchorage; Susan Faith,
Executive Director, Older Alaskans Program, Anchorage.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Jon Sherwood, Director, Office of Program Review,
Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS); Marie
Darlin, AARP, Juneau; Sam Trivette, Juneau; Denise
Daniello, Alaska Commission on the Aging; Errol Stafford,
Wasilla Senior Center, MatSu, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program; Allison Layman, Palmer Senior Center,
MatSu, spoke in support of the SeniorCare Program; Doris
Carpenter, MatSu; Elaine Pitka, Coordinator, Fairbanks
Native Association Elder Program, Fairbanks; Alvin Martin,
Fairbanks Native Association Elder Program, Fairbanks;
Laurence (Larry) Titus, Fairbanks; Kathleen Dupertus, North
Star Council and Aging, Fairbanks; Don Gray, AK-REA
(Retired Educators Association), Fairbanks; Mary McLean,
Fairbanks Native Association Elder Program, Fairbanks; Joy
Price Tedder, Senior Center, Fairbanks; Lou Gross,
Director, North State Council, Senior Center, Fairbanks;
James Fisher, Self, Soldotna; Lorna Arndt, Self, Kodiak;
Charles Michon, Homer; Jane Symens, Self, Homer; Pam
Horazdovsky, Owner, Elder Options of Alaska, Homer; Sharon
Howerton Clark, Self, Homer; Anna Winters, Swan Lake Senior
Center, Sitka; Shirley Burkhart, Swan Lake Senior Center,
Sitka; William Craig, Sitka; Helen Unruh, Wrangell; Betty
Keagan, Commission on Aging, Wrangell; Marie Darlin, AARP,
Juneau; Sam Trivette, Juneau; Denise Daniello, Executive
Commission, Commission on Aging, Juneau; Lorilyn Swanson,
Chair, Juneau Commission on Aging; Sheila Howe, Anchorage;
Loreen McGee, Wrangell.
SUMMARY
CSSB 4 (FIN) am
"An Act extending the cash assistance benefit
program for seniors under the SeniorCare program
and increasing the benefit amount; and providing
for an effective date."
CSSB 4 (FIN) am was heard and HELD in Committee
for further consideration.
CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 4(FIN) am
"An Act extending the cash assistance benefit program
for seniors under the senior care program and
increasing the benefit amount; amending medical income
eligibility provisions for persons under 19 years of
age and for pregnant women; and providing for an
effective date."
Co-Chair Meyer noted that a committee substitute had been
distributed, which would change the title of the program
[25-LS0056\K]. Members were also provided with a
spreadsheet, which compared benefits under the current
SeniorCare Program, SB 90/HB 148, SB 4, and HB 198 (copy on
file.)
GINNY AUSTERMAN, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE OLSON, provided
information on the legislation and noted that the current
version was M.A [CSSB 4 (FIN) am]. The legislation extends
the program's sunset date to June 30, 2011 and lifts the
freeze on the federal poverty guidelines adjusted for
Alaska from the 2003 rate. The SeniorCare Program is
strictly a needs based program. The bill features three
monthly payments:
• $175 per month if the individual's household
income does not exceed 100 percent of the federal
poverty guidelines for Alaska
• $150 per month if the individual's household
income does not exceed 135 but is above 100
percent of the federal poverty guidelines for
Alaska
• $100 per month if the individual's household
income does not exceed 150 but is above 135
percent of the federal poverty guidelines for
Alaska
Eligible seniors who may have been part of the Longevity
Bonus Program, as well as individuals who meet the
eligibility criteria are covered. No Asset limits would be
in place. The program would serve approximately 8,800 low
income Alaskan seniors. An eligible senior would have to
choose between the two programs if the Longevity Bonus were
funded. She observed that a proposed committee substitute,
version K, would change the title to "Senior Benefits" from
"SeniorCare". She noted that due to the passage of SB 27,
provisions for Denali Kid Care would need to be removed.
KARLEEN JACKSON, COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
SOCIAL SERVICES, stressed the importance of senior
benefits. She observed that seniors on fixed incomes would
be at risk without action. She provided members with a memo
by Sherry Hill, Legislative Liaison, which outlined options
for senior benefits (copy on file). The memo contains
short-term solutions for funding a July senior benefit
payment. Emergency regulations are being finalized to allow
action through general relief. The memorandum identifies
long-term, statutory solutions to allow the continuation of
benefits. She noted that there would not be an
appropriation bill accompanying authorizing legislation
passed [during the June 26, 2007 Special Session] and
requested that inclusion of intent language directing the
department to request funding through a supplemental
request.
4:15:56 PM
RITA HATCH, OLDER PERSONS ACTION GROUP, ANCHORAGE, spoke in
support of the SeniorCare Program. She noted that she was a
recipient of the Longevity Bonus prior to the SeniorCare
Program. She acknowledged that the Longevity Bonus is gone
and maintained that it should not be an issue. She observed
that she is at 120 percent of the poverty level. There are
5,000 people that would receive $175 under SB 4; 2,643
individuals would receive assistance at the 100 to 135
percent of poverty level; and another 1,157 individuals
would receive $100 under the program. The program would
provide her with only $5 more [then she received under the
Longevity Bonus], but she acknowledged that seniors would
benefit. She referred to House Bill 198 [the House
companion bill, introduced by Representative Hawker] and
stated that she would support whichever bill provided the
most support. She approved of the deletion of an asset
test. She observed that most of the poor in the state rent
their homes and that the renter's benefit was deleted. She
recommended reinstatement of the renter's benefit.
4:21:33 PM
MIKE FRENCH, ACCESS ALASKA, expressed support for
continuation of the SeniorCare Program. He noted that he
had been contacted by seniors concerned that they would not
be able to make their utility payments or afford other
services. He would like to see more money go to seniors. He
observed that any threat to the fixed income of a senior is
difficult. Water and heating costs have increased. Many
seniors are in the renter's system.
4:24:35 PM
SANDY CAMERY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MABEL T. CAVERLY SENIOR
CENTER, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the legislation. She
noted that they are a small organization that specifically
outreaches to low income seniors. She observed that 90
percent of their clients receive the $120 dollar benefit.
She reiterated that $120 is the difference between eating
and not eating. She asserted that the 3,700 clients that
they served last year will not be eating without the
benefits. Half their clients would be better off under HB
198 and half would be better off under SB 4. She encouraged
the Committee to consider the long-term. Seniors are having
a hard time "hanging on". There needs to be a comprehensive
plan. She observed that many seniors do not have food in
their refrigerators at the end of the month
4:28:18 PM
JAY DULANY, EAGLE RIVER, expressed support for continuation
of the SeniorCare Program. He felt that HB 198 was a better
vehicle, but expressed gratitude that the issue was being
addressed.
4:29:25 PM
KEVIN TURKINGTON, SENIORCARE OF ALASKA, ANCHORAGE
INCORPORATED, spoke in support of the legislation. His
organization assists seniors to stay in their homes. He
favored the name change, but asked for help educating the
public regarding the change if it is adopted. He spoke in
support of a needs based program, which helps seniors and
is easy to access and use. His organization receives 3 - 5
or more calls a day from seniors that have difficulty
getting through to the program for information and
applications.
4:33:15 PM
RAY CLEMENS, SENIOR VOICE, OLDER PERSON'S ACTION GROUP,
ANCHORAGE, expressed support for continuation of the
SeniorCare Program. He noted the difficulty of getting
assistance from the SeniorCare Program office. He
recommended adding staff to the current office.
4:36:59 PM
ROCHELLE DAVIS, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE, ANCHORAGE,
expressed support for continuation of the SeniorCare
Program. She is a nurse. She maintained that the money is
needed for food and medications. She observed the
difficulty in managing chronic illness when seniors cannot
afford medication or proper nutrition. Low income seniors
are a vulnerable population and need help.
4:38:34 PM
THERESA PANCHAT, MARLOW MANOR ASSISTED LIVING CENTER,
NURSE, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the SeniorCare
Program. She noted that care can be jeopardized by the
reduction in funding. She observed that many seniors cannot
advocate for themselves. She stressed the need for
assistance and urged the continuation of the program.
4:40:57 PM
SHELLY HINGES, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR, ALASKA PRIMARY
CARE ASSOCIATION, ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She observed that physicians are
turning away Medicare patients, which results in seniors
paying more out-of-pocket. She noted the raising cost of
health care, transportation and other fixed costs.
4:43:19 PM
SUSAN FAITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OLDER ALASKANS PROGRAM,
ANCHORAGE, spoke in support of the SeniorCare Program. She
noted that their program serves 500 persons a week with
meals and other services. One of the most important issues
they face is allowing home bound seniors to remain
independent. She maintained that the seniors in their
program live on the edge and are in desperate straights
financially. The money does not go for frills.
4:46:24 PM
ERROL STAFFORD, WASILLA SENIOR CENTER, MATSU, spoke in
support of the SeniorCare Program. He observed that his
wife has to pay health insurance. After insurance and
medical expenses she has less than $300 a month to live on.
The federal poverty level for one person is $22,348; and
the federal poverty level for a couple is $29,960 a year.
He maintained that a lot of seniors at the Wasilla Senior
Center are in need. Many of these seniors were forced to
move in with their children when they lost their longevity
bonus payment under Governor Murkowski. He referred to HB
198. He noted that SB 4 would extend the program for five
years and pay $100 - $175 per month. He observed that if
the Longevity Bonus is revived that those that are eligible
and choose to receive payments would not be eligible for
SeniorCare payments. Seniors would have to choose between
the programs. He noted that the Governor has pledged to
help seniors. He asserted that seniors are suffering and
urged action.
4:49:18 PM
ALLISON LAYMAN, PALMER SENIOR CENTER, MATSU, SPOKE IN
SUPPORT OF THE SENIORCARE PROGRAM. She expressed concern
about the possibility that the program would sunset. She
maintained that a 10 percent decrease in income would be
devastating to seniors. She stressed that expenses are
rising and emphasized that the goal is to allow seniors to
remain independent.
DORIS CARPENTER, MATSU, spoke in support of the SeniorCare
Program. She expressed her frustration with a lack of
legislative contact. She observed that the Wasilla
SeniorCare Center has been helpful. She noted that she
would not have sufficient funds for food without the
program. She spoke in support of returning the renters
rebate program.
4:53:18 PM
ELAINE PITKA, COORDINATOR, FAIRBANKS NATIVE ASSOCIATION
ELDER PROGRAM, FAIRBANKS, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She observed that it is difficult to
meet needs as the cost of living increases. She noted the
high cost of living in Alaska. She observed that 60 percent
of their group is compromised nutritionally. She
recommended that the formula be increased from a minimum of
100 percent of the poverty level to 125 percent. She noted
that many seniors are on fixed incomes.
ALVIN MARTIN, FAIRBANKS NATIVE ASSOCIATION ELDER PROGRAM,
FAIRBANKS, spoke in support of the SeniorCare Program. He
stressed the difficulty Native seniors face.
5:02:40 PM
LAURENCE (LARRY) TITUS, FAIRBANKS, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program. He noted that his income is $470 a
month, including his retirement and SeniorCare payment. He
stressed the difficulty of living on this fixed amount.
5:03:35 PM
KATHLEEN DUPERTUS, NORTH STAR COUNCIL ON AGING, FAIRBANKS,
expressed support for continuation of the SeniorCare
Program. She reviewed services provided by the Council. She
addressed the great need in the State and encouraged a
higher poverty level percentage to a minimum of 125
percent. She observed that social security increases do not
take into account the increasing cost of fuel. She
emphasized the contributions seniors have made to the state
and felt they should be valued as much as the state's
students. She appreciated that the bill does not included a
assets in the qualification determination. The bill fills a
necessary gap.
5:07:19 PM
DON GRAY, AK-REA (RETIRED EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION),
FAIRBANKS, pointed out that costs continue to increase
statewide. She stressed that the mark of a fair society is
how well they take care of the most vulnerable. The benefit
is important for the elders in the State. She urged that
the bill be passed from Committee.
5:09:30 PM
MARY MCLEAN, FAIRBANKS NATIVE ASSOCIATION ELDER PROGRAM,
FAIRBANKS, testified in favor of the proposed legislation.
Representative Gara noted that the provisions under
consideration include annual cost of living increases [see
Representative Gara's later remarks, which clarified that
the cost of living increase pertains to program
qualification].
5:10:42 PM
JOY PRICE TEDDER, SENIOR CENTER, FAIRBANKS, commented on
the problems faced by seniors living on a limited income.
She urged support of the bill. She stressed that all
seniors become disabled as they aged.
Representative Gara corrected his previous statement. He
clarified that while the annual income limit for
eligibility increases with inflation, he was not sure if
the payments would increase with inflation. He promised to
research the issue.
5:13:34 PM
LOU GROSS, DIRECTOR, NORTH STATE COUNCIL, SENIOR CENTER,
FAIRBANKS, testified in favor of SB 4, noting that it is
critical that some level of funding be made available to
help "at risk" seniors statewide. He observed that many
seniors were devastated when the Longevity Bonus ended. He
maintained that eligible seniors do not receive SeniorCare
payments due to their inability to wade through the
paperwork. He stressed that after care expenses are greater
than preventive care. The group most impacted tends to be
poor self advocates, who often do not have the assets that
most seniors have.
5:18:13 PM
JAMES FISHER, SELF, SOLDOTNA, urged that SB 4 be passed
from Committee, with a minimum amount of $120 per month. He
spoke to food assistance availability and maintained that
low income seniors are not getting the assistance they need
for basic services such as heat and electricity. He spoke
to Food Stamps, commenting that the testimony has been
poignant.
5:20:44 PM
LORNA ARNDT, SELF, KODIAK, spoke in support of SB 4, but
suggested that payments were too low. She supported
deletion of the Longevity Bonus program, but reiterated
that SeniorCare payments should be greater. She disagreed
with a determination based on gross income. She stressed
that seniors pay for Medicare. She encouraged greater use
of food banks. She encouraged greater funding for the
program and the name change to the Senior Benefits Program.
5:24:13 PM
CHARLES MICHON, HOMER, testified on the need of the seniors
and the difficulty of surviving on a fixed income. He was
forced to discontinue his medical insurance and must rely
on Medicare. He noted that he is too old to work and needs
a supplemental income.
5:26:33 PM
JANE SYMENS, SELF, HOMER, expressed support for the
continuation of the SeniorCare Program. She lives in an
assisted living home in Homer and receives just over $500
from social security. The loss of $120 dollars a month
might prevent her from making her rent payments.
5:28:21 PM
PAM HORAZDOVSKY, OWNER, ELDER OPTIONS OF ALASKA, HOMER,
spoke in support of the legislation. She spoke for the 17
seniors that live at her home and provided scenarios of two
of those seniors. Many are on fixed incomes and have no
assets to rely on.
5:30:45 PM
SHARON HOWERTON CLARK, SELF, HOMER, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She asserted that seniors are not
second hand citizens or welfare recipients. She stressed
that seniors cannot go back to work.
5:32:15 PM
ANNA WINTERS, SWAN LAKE SENIOR CENTER, SITKA, spoke in
support of the SeniorCare Program. She noted that 50
percent of their seniors cannot pay the suggested fee of $4
for the meals provided by their center. Seniors need the
legislation to allow them to pay their way. Some seniors
must chose between items such as heat and medication. The
legislation allows them more flexibility in these choices
and allows them to stay independent. Seniors do not have
financial margins. The SeniorCare Program is needed to
allow seniors to stay in their homes.
5:35:56 PM
SHIRLEY BURKHART, SWAN LAKE SENIOR CENTER, SITKA, testified
in support of the SeniorCare Program. She spoke to her
situation and noted that she did not receive the Longevity
Bonus. She pointed to the rising cost of fuel and other
services and asked that the program be made permanent.
5:37:03 PM
WILLIAM CRAIG, SITKA, spoke in support of the SeniorCare
Program. He suggested that poverty levels differ across the
state. He stressed the difficulty of living on the amount
of money eligible seniors receive. He stressed the
difficulty seniors have in making ends meet.
HELEN UNRUH, WRANGELL, testifies in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She noted that the cost of living
varies and recommended that cost of living be considered.
She asked that eligible seniors be grandfathered into the
program, so that they are not cut off.
5:40:26 PM
BETTY KEAGAN, COMMISSION ON AGING, WRANGELL, spoke in
support of the SeniorCare Program. She maintained that
seniors are a bargain for the state of Alaska. Funds
contributed to seniors help make Alaska a bigger and better
state. She pointed out that: seniors do not require
educational services; are law abiding; do less driving and
do not clog the roads; exercise their rights to vote; value
life and show family values to the next generation; and are
active volunteers. Alaska has the second largest senior
population growth in the United States. She spoke against a
sunset.
5:46:41 PM
MARIE DARLIN, AARP, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She recommended the bill be amended to
include the eligibility benefits and guidelines included in
HB 198. This would allow needed assistance for Alaskan
seniors trying to cope with the increased cost of living.
Stipends are used for utilities, rent food, and medicine,
while seniors do their best to stay in Alaska. She observed
that the benefit, as outlined by HB 198, would help seniors
that have the least income. The highest benefit would go to
individuals that have less than $9,578 in annual income.
These individuals have a difficult time, especially if they
are renters.
5:49:46 PM
SAM TRIVETTE, JUNEAU, spoke in support of the SeniorCare
Program:
· I'm a 53 year resident of Alaska
· I worked for the State of Alaska for 32 years prior to
retirement. Now I do thousands of hours of volunteer
work, much with Alaska seniors.
· Although Longevity Bonus helped my elderly parents
remain in Alaska after they had to move into assisted
living in the 1990's, we now are in a different era.
· With Alaska having finite resources, it appears
unlikely the Legislature will continue the Longevity
Bonus program and a program for low income seniors, so
I urge adoption of an assistance program for low
income seniors who are the most needy.
· During this legislative session, I listened to many
hours of testimony and discussion at the Alaska
Commission on Aging meetings on SeniorCare related
legislation, which has helped me for opinions on these
issues.
Mr. Trivette urged support of HB 198 and maintained that it
would provide a more substantial benefit for a larger
number of low income seniors. He asserted that the current
SeniorCare program has a number of technical problems and
SB 4 does not provide the level of payment to help the
neediest seniors.
Mr. Trivette asserted that the annual impact of seniors on
the Alaska economy was estimated by the University of
Alaska ISER at $1.46 billion; this translates into over
110,000 full time jobs in the Alaska economy. Furthermore,
Alaska seniors contribute many tens of thousands of hours
of volunteer work, at no cost to Alaskans.
5:51:50 PM
DENISE DANIELLO, EXECUTIVE COMMISSION, COMMISSION ON AGING,
testified in support of a continued SeniorCare program,
specifically SB4, amended with improvements from HB 198 as
outlined in the support letter submitted by the Commission.
Ms. Daniello observed that based on conversations with
seniors from around the State, SeniorCare makes a real
difference for seniors who live on modest incomes and use
SeniorCare benefits to help pay for life's essentials such
as food, housing, utilities, and other necessities. These
individuals are doing their best to make ends meet, while
holding on to their dignity, living in Alaska, their home.
The current SeniorCare Program benefits older Alaskans over
the age of 65 who earn less than $16,133 for a single
person and $21,641 for a couple annually.
Poverty impacts seniors disproportionately in primarily
rural areas of the State. Recently, the Commission
performed an analysis of SeniorCare cash benefit recipients
by region and found that a significantly higher proportion
of elders rely on SeniorCare in rural Alaska where poverty
levels and the cost of living are the highest. In Wade
Hampton census area, for example, almost 60% of the elders
receive SeniorCare. Over 48% of the rural elders in the
Bethel census area are SeniorCare beneficiaries. Similarly,
more than 35% of the elders in the Nome Census area receive
SeniorCare. In comparison, 14% of Anchorage seniors and
about 10% of seniors living in Juneau receive SeniorCare
benefits.
Ms. Daniello recommended amending the bill to use the
eligibility guidelines and benefits included in HB 198, in
order to provide assistance to a greater number of older
Alaskans. These benefits include an increase of the
program's income limits to 175% of the federal poverty
guidelines for Alaska and an increase in the monthly
benefit to $250 for households at 75% and less of the
federal poverty guideline whose income is no more than $798
monthly.
Ms. Daniello pointed out that older Alaskans contribute
significantly to the state on many levels. Alaska seniors
serve as community volunteers, caregivers, cultural
historians, and as mentors for all generations, but they
also contribute economically to the state. In 2005, seniors
invested almost $1.5 billion from their retirement income,
Social Security, health care spending, and investments into
Alaska's economy. She stressed that it may be in the
state's best interest to support programs that benefit
retired seniors in order to cultivate their economic and
social assets and asserted that their security and well-
being are the responsibility of all Alaskans.
5:56:07 PM
LORILYN SWANSON, CHAIR, JUNEAU COMMISSION ON AGING, spoke
in support of the SeniorCare Program. Ms. Swanson is also
the manager of Fireweed Place, an independent living
apartment building for seniors. She deals on a daily basis
with the outcome of limited income and reduction in income
for seniors. She stressed that $120.00 may not seem like
much to some but to those who have an income of less than
$1,350 per month, it is sizeable. "To have this taken away
means that they may have to change housing or do without
the daily necessities. Please understand that many did not
expect to be in this position, they thought they were well
covered for in their later years but through the loss of a
spouse and income reduction they find that they no longer
have the income to survive. The SeniorCare Income means
that many can stay independent, without being considered on
Welfare."
Ms. Swanson works with approximately 75 seniors on a daily
basis; of those 75, approximately 20 received SeniorCare.
With this year's raise of 3.3% in social security payments,
7 persons no longer qualified for SeniorCare payments. She
pointed out that 35% of the seniors she works with and many
more throughout the state were disqualified over a change
in income of just a few dollars a month. She observed that
HB 198 would cover this cost of living increase.
Ms. Swanson noted that seniors followed the Longevity Bonus
and SeniorCare issues throughout the election and the past
legislative session and suggested they would continue to
follow these issues during the interim. She was shocked
when the Legislature failed to address this issue. She
spoke in support of HB 198, which has a graduated income
level. House Bill 198 also covers the cost of living
increase in social security, which would otherwise
disqualify many.
Ms. Swanson stressed that seniors are anxious over the lack
of action on the continuation of SeniorCare program, which
came after the shock of having the Longevity Bonus program
discontinued by the previous Administration. She maintained
that Longevity Bonus should no longer be an issue, since
the SeniorCare Bill will take care of those who were on the
Longevity Bonus and who truly need the help. She
acknowledged that seniors originally wanted to reinstate
the Longevity Bonus Program, but noted that there has been
shift toward support of the SeniorCare bill.
6:00:18 PM
SHEILA HOWE, ANCHORAGE, testified in support of the
SeniorCare Program. She spoke in support of adding the
provisions of HB 198 to SB 4. She noted the number of
veterans that receive SeniorCare payments.
6:02:48 PM
LOREEN MCGEE, WRANGELL, spoke in support of the SeniorCare
Program. She is an active volunteer at 84 years of age. She
noted that she had to sell her car when the Longevity Bonus
was discontinued. She stressed that seniors need assistance
and urged support of the legislation.
6:05:16 PM
Co-Chair Meyer reviewed plans for the special session. He
felt confidant that SeniorCare legislation would be passed.
Representative Gara stated that he would like to address
inflation proofing.
CSSB 4 (FIN) am was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:09 PM
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