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.