SB 250 An Act relating to the Older Alaskans Commission and staff of the commission; changing the name of the Older Alaskans Commission to the Alaska Commission on Aging and extending the termination date of the commission; relating to the Alaska Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board; relating to services and programs for older Alaskans; and providing for an effective date. HCS CS SB 250 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by the Department of Administration dated 1/14/94. SENATE BILL 250 4 "An Act relating to the Older Alaskans Commission and staff of the commission; changing the name of the Older Alaskans Commission to the Alaska Commission on Aging and extending the termination date of the commission; relating to the Alaska Pioneers' Homes Advisory Board; relating to services and programs for older Alaskans; and providing for an effective date." Commissioner Usera pointed out that SB 250 was one of the three pieces of legislation introduced by the Governor as part of a plan to improve and reorganize state services to Alaska's seniors. 1. Re-name the Older Alaskans Commission as the Alaska Commission on Aging. 2. Reduce the number of mandatory annual meetings for both the Commission and the Board in order to reflect current practices and fiscal resources. 3. Add the chairperson of the Commission on Aging to the Pioneers' Homes Board. 4. Establish 8 year maximum terms for Pioneers' Homes Board members, allow current members to serve up to 8 more years, and transition the board to staggered terms. 5. Clarify that the Commission on Aging administers programs through its executive director. 6. Clarify that the Commission sets policy for administration of its programs and selects recipients for grant awards. 7. Allows the Commission flexibility to reduce or waive local "match" requirements for grantees operating "pilot projects" when the waiver is in the public's interest. Commissioner Usera stated that the Department supports Amendment #1 which would provide a vote for the executive branch agencies who sit on the Boards as well as a vote for the Chairman of the Older Alaskan's Commission. PAT DENNY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OLDER ALASKAN'S COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, testified that the Older Alaskan's Commission was anxious to see that the Chairman of the Pioneer's Home Board and three members of the executive branch be given the opportunity to fully participate in the work of the Commission. CONNIE SIPE, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, summarized that there would be no amendments or changes to the Longevity Bonus through the proposed legislation. 5 Representative Martin MOVED to adopt Amendment #1. (Tape Change, HFC 94-143, Side 2). There being NO OBJECTION, it was adopted. Representative Martin MOVED to report HCS CS SB 250 (FIN) out of Committee with individual recommendations and with the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CS SB 250 (FIN) was reported out of Committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with a zero fiscal note by the Department of Administration dated 1/14/94.