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Background
Location:
Anchorage, Alaska
United States
Anchorage, Alaska
United States
Work:
AARP Alaska Office Staff
AARP Alaska Office Staff
Hometown(s):
State Office - 3601 C Street #1420 Anchorage AK 99503
State Office - 3601 C Street #1420 Anchorage AK 99503
My Journals (14)
Senior Benefits Program Funded
$18 million secured for funding of new Senior Benefits Program
AARP worked to secure an expanded Senior Benefits program in a special session of the 2007 Legislature. In 2008, AARP helped secure the funding for the program. Four thousand older Alaskans have been added to the eligibility list, bringing the total to almost 11,000. Single older persons with incomes below $9,750 and couples with incomes below $13,125 will receive $250 per person monthly. Singles with incomes below $13,000 and couples below $17,500 will each receive $175 monthly. Singles below $22,750 and couples below $30,625 will each receive $125 monthly. The benefits will automatically increase each year when the federal poverty level is adjusted. With the higher cost of living in Alaska, especially higher health care and heating costs, this funding will enable many older Alaskans to remain in the state.
Ten Year Fiscal Plan Authorized
Governor’s office mandated to prepare ten year fiscal plan
AARP argued that Alaska was not doing long term fiscal planning. Our current budget is based on oil revenues contributing 85% of state government funding. With high oil prices, the Legislature was not doing fiscal planning beyond the upcoming year. Oil is currently at $130-$140 per barrel. As recently as the late 1990’s, it was at $9 per barrel. With a growing older population (Alaska is 2nd to Nevada in percentage growth; Anchorage’s over-65 population is growing at 5 times the national average) and a Medicaid budget that will shift over the next ten years from primarily children’s coverage to long term and community-based care for the elderly, AARP felt it critical to force state government to do long term fiscal planning to assure that funding for necessary programs will be available, no matter what the price of oil (total production from Alaska’s north slope has declined by 50% over the past ten years and will continue to decline).
Additional Funding Secured for HCBS
Funding secured to eliminate waiting lists for home and community based services.
AARP, in collaboration with aging network providers, secured an increase of $1 million to eliminate waiting lists for HCBS services varying from meals-on-wheels to adult day care. Flat funding over the past few years led to reduced services, less capacity, and waiting lists for existing services. This was a major victory for people in need of HCBS and solidified AARP’s working relationship with the provider network.
First State Funding for Community Health Centers
Alaska Legislature provides first state funding for Community Health Centers of $3.85 Million.
Older Alaskans in Anchorage and Fairbanks (the state’s two largest cities) face a growing unwillingness by private physicians to see Medicare patients. Many long term patients were told their physician would no longer see them after their 65th birthday. When members would call with a physician access problem, one of the few satisfactory responses we had was to refer them to the community health centers (who are mandated to see anyone who walks in the door). The CHC’s were concerned about the growing number of older patients (they also lost money on each Medicare patient but do have a higher reimbursement rate under Medicare than a private physician). The state had never offered any funding to CHC’s beyond what they received from the federal government. AARP, in collaboration with the Alaska Primary Care Association, secured $350,000 in the Governor’s budget dedicated to “senior support” for CHC’s and another $1 million for operating cost increases. In addition, we helped secure another $2.5 million earmarked for health information technology in the community health centers. AARP now has a very strong working relationship with the Primary Care Association which will benefit many of our members, especially those under 65 with no health insurance and those over 65 who cannot find a private physician willing to see them.
Dental Service Capacity Expanded
Alaska Legislature authorizes expanded scope of practice for dental hygienists and dental assistants.
Alaska will never have as many health professionals as we need, especially in our remote communities. In collaboration with the dental hygienist training program at the University of Alaska and the Alaska Dental Society, AARP was successful in expanding the scope of practice for both dental assistants and dental hygienists. We have the capacity for teledentistry for long distance supervision of hygienists and assistants by urban-based dentists and this legislation will allow expanded practices for preventing and treating oral diseases. It will also allow a lower cost mid-level health provider to provide less expensive services than if a dentist were required. Dentists in Alaska are concentrated in Anchorage and the need for expanded capacity in rural areas should be relieved, to some degree, by this legislation. AARP has participated in the Alaska Oral Health Task Force for the past six years with expanded involvement each year.
Organ Donation Made Easier
Alaska expands organ donation capacity and meets new national standards.
AARP supported legislation that will move the age of decision from 18 to 16 for those who wish to identify themselves as donors. This legislation also expands support for organizations that sponsor or handle registries for organ donations. It also adopts the recommendations from the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act which was updated in 2006 by the National Conference of Commissioners on State Laws. In the past, AARP supported legislation that allowed citizens to register as organ donors when they visited the Department of Motor Vehicles for licensing or license renewal. In April, 2008, Alaska became the first state with an organ donor registry to have more than one-half of the eligible population sign up as donors. AARP believes citizens of all ages will be potential beneficiaries of expanded organ donor capacity.
Comprehensive Identity Theft Bill Passed
After a four year battle, Alaska now has, according to Consumer’s Union, one of the most comprehensive identity theft bills in the country.
Despite strong and well-funded industry opposition, AARP, AkPIRG, and Consumer’s Union joined to pass a bi-partisan identity theft bill. Initially the Attorney General opposed the bill because it also held the state responsible for a security breach. The bi-partisan sponsors informed the AG that they would not exempt the state. Choicepoint showed up at each hearing to complain about costs but AARP finally defeated them by counter-testifying about the costs to Alaska businesses from identity theft. Consumer’s Union indicated that this is the strongest bill currently passed by any state.
Guardianship and Conservatorship Bill Passed
Alaska passed a comprehensive guardianship and conservatorship bill with several new consumer safeguards.
In collaboration with the Alaska Attorney General, AARP helped pass a comprehensive guardianship and conservatorship bill which is recommended by the National Association of Attorney Generals. In addition, it will require licensing for anyone identifying themselves as a private professional guardian or conservator. The new law prohibits anyone who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for theft or fraud in the last ten years from serving in either capacity. Professional liability insurance will be required as well as an annual report of all activities.
First State Money Added to LIHEAP
For the first time, Alaska has added state funding to the federal LIHEAP program.
Prior to 2008, Alaska had never supplemented federal funding for LIHEAP. AARP supported a budget effort initially to secure $2 million in general funds. By the time the budget was passed, we secured an additional $10 million in state funding and were able to raise eligibility from 150% of the federal poverty level to 175%. For a single person, the higher eligibility would be at an annual income of $22,750 and for a couple at $30,625. Many more older persons will now be eligible for LIHEAP and those who have been eligible in the past will have more of a subsidy available to them.
Enormous Home Energy and Weatherization Program Passed
Largest weatherization program in Alaska’s history passed; every homeowner now eligible for assistance.
Rather than simply providing financial assistance to citizens for high energy bills, AARP supported a bill which would provide $300 million for weatherization and home energy conservation rebates. An energy rater will evaluate a home, make recommendations on how to reduce energy costs and then the homeowner can, depending on income, have the improvements made and paid for by the state or, if their income is too high, they can have a partial rebate of the costs of the improvement. The program (and funding) is for a five year period.
Supportive Services for Homeless Funded
Alaska now provides supportive services for homeless to help them become permanently housed.
AARP took a leadership role in collaboration with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation and secured $4.5 million to supplement the current $3.5 million budgeted for emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rental assistance for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The new funding will be used to provide supportive services, training, etc., to assure that people have the necessary services to help them remain housed and avoid returning to homeless status. It is estimated that approximately 5% of Alaska’s homeless are elderly. However, AARP supported this legislation primarily as an organization of concerned grandparents. Most of the homeless are children and we argued, successfully, that no grandparent wants any child to be homeless.
Promotional Checks Prohibited
New legislation prohibits companies from using promotional checks.
As part of AARP’s consumer initiatives, AARP Alaska, in collaboration with the Attorney General, supported a bill which will prohibit any company from using a “promotional check” to lure unsuspecting individuals and companies from depositing the check. Once the check is deposited, the individual or company finds themselves in a contractual agreement that they never intended to enter, sometimes for unwanted and expensive magazine subscriptions, sometimes for something much more serious. This practice is now illegal in Alaska for any company based here or in any other state.
Alaska Commission on Aging Reauthorized
The Alaska Commission on Aging was reauthorized for eight years.
Since the Commission on Aging could not lobby for its own reauthorization, AARP took the lead in working this bill. Normally an agency faces sunset legislation every four years. State auditors gave the Commission a very positive evaluation and we were successful in securing an eight year reauthorization.
Anchorage Water Utility Loses to AARP
Largest water utility in Alaska forced to remain under state regulation.
The Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) tried to have itself removed from oversight by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. AARP successfully argued that the Anchorage Assembly did not have the experienced engineers, financial analysts, and attorneys to determine if new rate requests were appropriate. This utility has filed for four rate increases in the last three years. AARP has already successfully defeated another effort made by AWWU which reduced the water bill for every customer in the Anchorage Municipality by $5 per month.
Added: July 2, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008
CONTACT: Ann Secrest
AARP Alaska State Office
907-762-3302 or 907-230-6072
AARP ALASKA KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT
ATTENTION NEWS DESKS: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 110th Congress, and informing its nearly 40 million members of the results of these key votes.
AARP Dismayed by Senate Vote to Block Medicare Improvement Bill
Bipartisan Package Would Have Improved Benefits for Prevention, Mental Health and Low-Income Programs, Boosted Quality through National E-Prescribing
SUMMARY: Today a minority of the U.S. Senate blocked critical legislation to protect and improve Medicare for the 44 million Americans who depend on it. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which would have improved Medicare’s prevention, mental health, and low-income programs and instituted a national program for electronic prescribing, was blocked by a group of Senators during a procedural vote.
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ALASKA
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VOTED YES TO MOVE MEDICARE BILL TO DEBATE AND VOTE
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VOTED TO BLOCK MEDICARE IMPROVEMENT BILL
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Murkowski, Lisa
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X
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Stevens, Ted
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X
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** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.
“While we are disappointed by today’s outcome, we applaud Sen. Stevens and Sen. Murkowski for voting to improve Medicare and bring this bill to the floor for an up-or-down vote,” said Ken Osterkamp, AARP state director. “This bipartisan legislation would have helped more Americans afford their health care bills while bringing our doctors’ offices and pharmacies into the 21st century with e-prescribing. We look forward to continuing to work with Sen. Stevens and Sen. Murkowski and their colleagues to pass a bill this month to improve Medicare and keep premiums fair for the 44 million Americans – and the 58,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska – who rely on the program.”
AARP has been advocating for several months to ensure that people in Medicare do not face an unfair increase in their premiums when Congress addresses physician payment cuts. AARP has also been advocating for improvements to Medicare, particularly the low-income programs, including raising asset limits, simplifying the application process and improving collaboration between Medicare and the Social Security Administration to screen people who may be eligible for low-income help and not know it. The bill brought up for a cloture vote today included all of these changes.
The AARP initiative, titled “Keep Medicare Fair,” to date has generated more than a half million phone calls, e-mails and petitions sent to Senate offices. As part of this effort, an AARP survey released May 19 found that of adults 50-plus, 81 percent oppose additional increases to Medicare premiums and 66 percent are less likely to vote for a Member of Congress who supports those increases.
AARP notified the 110th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 39 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “We believe people make the right choices when they understand the issues and position taken by their elected officials. We intend to ensure that our 95,000 AARP members in Alaska get that information,” Osterkamp concluded.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Added: June 12, 2008
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For immediate release
May 19, 2008
Contact: Ann Secrest, AARP Alaska
907-762-3302 or 866-227-7447
Two-Thirds of 50+ Americans Are Less Likely to Support Elected Officials Who Vote to Raise Medicare Premiums, Survey Finds
AARP Continues Call on Congress to Keep Medicare Premiums Fair
WASHINGTON, D.C. & ANCHORAGE —A new AARP survey reveals that older Americans are extremely concerned about their skyrocketing health care costs and they are less likely to support lawmakers who raise those costs even higher. The poll of adults 50-plus finds 81 percent oppose additional increases to Medicare premiums and 66 percent are less likely to vote for an elected official who supports those increases.
“It's time for Congress to stop treating the symptoms and find real solutions to our skyrocketing health care costs," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond from the AARP national office in Washington, D.C. “Americans 50-plus want lawmakers to fix the problem, not just raise their premiums,” LeaMond added.
Next month, Congress will decide whether to add another increase to Medicare premiums to cover the cost of paying doctors more. Lawmakers have consistently used this “Band-Aid” of higher premiums to patch the flawed physician payment system, raising premiums even more than usual each year. Eight in ten survey respondents opposed raising premiums even higher instead of looking at other recommended ways to lower health care costs.
AARP’s poll also found that a vast majority of 50-plus Americans are concerned about their current and future out-of-pocket health care costs (80 percent and 88 percent, respectively). Concern over Medicare premiums even extends to those not yet in the program. Among those 50 to 64, 86 percent are concerned about what their premiums will be when they become eligible for Medicare.
“We know health care costs are rising for everyone, but older Americans in particular have been shouldering the burden of a broken system for too long. Congress needs to find a solution that’s fair for all of us,” LeaMond added.
AARP has been working to keep premiums fair and improve Medicare’s low-income programs, including the Part D Low-Income Subsidy and Medicare Savings Programs. The grassroots effort has already generated more than 205,000 signed petitions as well as 25,000 calls and 100,000 e-mails to Senate offices. Television, print and online ads ran in major markets around the country.
The poll was conducted for AARP via telephone by ICR, an independent research company. Interviews were conducted from April 24 – May 4, 2008 among a nationally representative sample of 1,038 respondents 50-plus.
For a complete copy of the poll, please contact Ann Secrest, AARP Alaska at 907-762-3302, toll free at 866-227-7447 or email asecrest@aarp.org
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
There are more than 94,000 AARP members in Alaska.
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Added: May 19, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2008
Contact: Ann Secrest, AARP Alaska
907-762-3302 or 907-230-6072
AARP Thanks Alaska’s Representative for Supporting Bill to Protect People in Medicaid
Association urges Senators Stevens and Murkowski to quickly pass companion bill and send measure to President
ANCHORAGE, AK— AARP thanked the supporters and cosponsors of the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008, which passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill prevents massive increases in costs for people in Medicaid by stopping harmful cuts proposed by the administration.
“Today’s vote is a victory for all Alaskans who rely on Medicaid as the safety net of our health care system,” said George Hieronymus, AARP Alaska State President. “With 47 million Americans and 114,000 Alaskans already uninsured, our country and our state cannot afford to make it any harder for our most vulnerable to pay for their health care.”
AARP thanks Rep. Don Young who joined with the majority of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives in cosponsoring the bill.
In Alaska, the state Medicaid director said that the proposed rules would cost the state more than $88 million. While AARP supports smart policies to stop fraud, waste and abuse in Medicaid, the cuts proposed by the administration threaten the integrity of the program and shift unreasonable costs to the people in Medicaid and the states.
“We’re relieved that members of the U.S. House recognized the harm the administration’s proposals would have done to people in Alaska’s Medicaid program and we thank them for acting swiftly and with such wide, bipartisan support to stop these cuts,” said Hieronymus. “We now urge Senators Stevens and Murkowski to vote to protect Medicaid as the Senate considers this measure.”
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
30 – 30 – 30
Added: May 5, 2008
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AARP Alaska 2008 State Legislative Agenda
April 7, 2008
(New information in bold)
Budget Issues
State Fiscal Plan:
Although oil price increases have given Alaska some breathing room, AARP believes the Governor and Legislature should come to consensus and vote a long-term fiscal plan for the state. This remains AARP Alaska’s top priority. We do not believe our state will be able to provide adequate home and community-based care for a growing older population unless we make sensible fiscal plans at this time. HB 125 has been introduced by the House Ways and Means Committee which would be the first step in mandating a fiscal plan. AARP has sent a letter of support. The bill passed the House 37-0 and was sent to the Senate. Senate President Lyda Green only made one Committee referral, to Senate Finance. The bill passed the Senate and House and has been sent to the Governor for signature.
Senior Benefits Program Funding:
The SeniorCare program morphed into the Senior Benefits Program in the special session of the Legislature last summer. The new program is more generous with eligibility and benefits and will add about 4,000 older Alaskans to the program. The Legislature authorized the new program but an appropriation has to take place during the 2008 session. Obviously, AARP will strongly support the budget request for this program. The Governor signed the budget bill authorizing the appropriation for the Senior Benefits program. The legislation has an automatic cost-of-living adjustment and the benefit will increase each year when the federal poverty level goes up (usually in January, sometimes in February).
Economic Security Issues
Public Pensions:
Senator Kim Elton, a Democrat, and Senator Lesil McGuire, a Republican, have jointly introduced SB 183 which would reverse action taken by the Legislature in 2005 under SB 141. Prior to SB 141, Alaska’s teachers and municipal and state employees participated in a defined benefit pension plan. Since most of Alaska’s public employees do not participate in Social Security, it was critical that they have a defined benefit that could not be outlived. SB 141 changed the system to a defined contribution plan. It is possible to outlive your contributions and, without Social Security, some retirees would find themselves with no income. NEA, the AFL-CIO, and all the public employee unions and municipal police and firefighter organizations are backing SB 183 to return to the defined benefit program of Tier III under PERS and Tier II under TRS. AARP, the Alaska Retired Educators Association, and the Retired Public Employees Association are all supporting SB 183. Senate President Lyda Green does not like the bill and she referred it to four separate committees. The bill passed the Senate Labor and Commerce and Senate State Affairs and Senate Judiciary and has been sent on to Senate Finance. The Public Pension Coalition will push to have Senator Stedman schedule a hearing in Senate Finance. Since he was the primary mover of the old bill, SB 141, which did away with the defined benefit system, he can be expected to resist the effort. Whether the bill is heard or not, all 16 organizations participating in the coalition plan to make this effort an election issue for all House and Senate candidates in the November elections.
Health Issues
Family and Community Elder Supports (FACES):
AARP is supporting the FACES initiative to expand home and community based services for older Alaskans and their unpaid family caregivers. The intent of home and community based services is to prevent premature and inappropriate institutionalization. Most people prefer to remain in their community and in their own home. With less expensive services, this can be accomplished. However, it does cost some money to provide these services and support family members who are voluntarily helping older relatives remain at home. These services include everything from meals on wheels to adult day care. Funding for these services has been flat for several years while the number of older Alaskans has grown significantly. The FACES campaign is asking the Legislature for an additional $1.5 million. $1 million of the requested funding was added back into the Senate version of the budget by the Senate Finance Sub-Committee for Health and Social Services. It is not in the House budget so it is one of the items that must be decided by the budget conference committee this week.
Health Care for All Alaskans:
One of the most important bills that will be heard is SB 160, authored by Senator Hollis French. A companion bill, HB 242, has been introduced into the House by Representative Gabrielle LeDoux. The bills are meant to address “Affordable Health Insurance for All Alaskans.” Unwilling to wait on Congress to do something about the 20% of Alaskans under age 65 who have no health insurance, the Legislature will debate these bills and hopefully come up with a solution that is fair for everyone. If a citizen does not have health insurance and needs medical care, it will be provided. If he can’t pay for it, the next person in the door with a policy will pick up part of his cost. Several states are coming up with a legislative program to assure coverage and personal responsibility for health costs. Alaska may not come to a conclusion this session but these bills will certainly get the discussion going. Both bills have been referred to the HESS Committees. SB 160 passed Senate HESS and Labor and Commerce and has been sent to Senate Finance. It is not likely that the Finance Committee will schedule a hearing for it. Senator French continues to modify the bill and we can expect significant expansion and input. Senator French has openly welcomed any suggestions from all parties.
Funding for Community Health Centers:
Older Alaskans on Medicare in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau have all complained that they are unable to locate a physician who will accept them. Many have been told, upon their 65th birthday, that they will need to find another doctor. Alaska’s Community Health Centers have continued to accept all Medicare patients. However these centers are under funded. Most states supplement the federal funding. Alaska does not. AARP is supporting a request by the Alaska Primary Care Association for state funding for the centers. We believe it will reduce inappropriate (and very expensive) emergency room visits and will help support the only alternative many Medicare beneficiaries now have for access to a physician. The Governor included $350,000 in her version of the budget which was approved by both the House and Senate. The Senate added another $1 million for operating cost increases. In addition, the Senate is recommending $2.5 million earmarked for health information technology for the community health centers. The House did not include either appropriation in their version of the budget so both of these items must be determined by the House/Senate budget conference committee this week.
Task Force on Health Care Infections:
Senator Gary Stevens introduced SB 62 which would establish a task force that would require reporting of infections that occur within a health facility. The ultimate purpose of the bill is to reduce errors in health facilities that cause additional health problems. Depending on the facility, 6 to 17 percent of hospitalized patients will acquire a new infection after they have entered the hospital. Because of declining immunity and longer hospital stays, older patients are particularly at risk. The task force will provide information on in-hospital infection rates to Alaska health care consumers. SB 62 passed Senate HESS and is now in Senate Finance. No hearing is currently scheduled at this time.
Expansion of Denali KidCare:
Senator Bettye Davis introduced SB 212 which would raise the eligibility levels for children to be accepted into the Denali KidCare program from 175% of the federal poverty level to 200%. AARP supports providing health coverage to all childrenwhoare uninsured. The bill passed Senate HESS on January 28. A hearing was waived by Senate Labor and Commerce and the bill went directly to the Senate Finance Committee. It has not had a hearing there and none is scheduled at this time. Despite many efforts to encourage Senator Stedman to schedule the bill for a hearing, including a rally covered by two Anchorage television stations, he continues to resist.
Expansion of Responsibilities for Dental Hygienists:
Representative Bill Stoltze introduced HB 136 which expands the scope of practice of dental hygienists. Dental hygienists work under licensed dentists and focus on preventing and treating oral diseases. Several other states already allow them to:
- Place fillings into a cavity already prepared by a dentist
- Administer a local anesthetic under supervision of a dentist
- Enter into an agreement with a dentist in which the dentist authorizes the hygienist to work on specified tasks
Alaska will never have as many health professionals as we need, especially in our remote communities. HB 136 will help expand our oral health delivery system and remain under the supervision of trained and licensed dentists. AARP supports HB 136. This bill has passed the House and two Senate committees and is awaiting a hearing in Senate Finance. No hearing is currently scheduled at this time. The bill has not moved since 2007.
Education Loan Repayment Program:
Representative Craig Johnson has introduced HB 234 which would offer student loan repayment for up to five years or 50% of the outstanding loan. Loan repayment would be available to students in fields identified as having a severe workforce shortage, eg., health care, teaching, and the technical jobs required by resource development and the gas pipeline. AARP supports this as a technique that works to draw students into specific fields and helps them stay here in Alaska to work. Although introduced in April, 2007, the bill has not had a hearing yet. No hearing in House HESS is scheduled at this time.
Mandatory Sick Leave:
Currently about 40% of Alaska’s workforce are not provided sick leave. Many of these workers are part timers. SB 258, authored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, would provide one hour of sick leave for every forty hours worked, whether full or part-time. SB 258 has strong support from the Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AkPIRG) as well as AARP. The bill was heard for the first time in Senate Labor and Commerce and is awaiting a second hearing (not scheduled at this time).
Organ Donation:
Senator Lesil McGuire has a long history of sponsoring legislation that encourages organ donation. SB 181 would allow a variety of donations to organizations that sponsor or handle registries for organ donations. The bill has passed Senate Health, Education and Social Services and has been sent to Senate State Affairs, chaired by Senator McGuire. No hearing has been scheduled at this time. In addition, HB 420 was sponsored late in the session by the House HESS Committee at the request of the Attorney General. This bill would comply with a recent re-write of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. The bill makes it easier to donate organs and lowers the age of decision from 18 to 16 for those who wish to identify themselves as donors. AARP is supporting HB 420 which moved quickly through two House Committees and is now awaiting scheduling for a House floor vote. HB 196 is a new bill that combines the clauses in HB 420 and SB 181. The new bill adopts the recommendation from the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act which has been recommend by the National Conference of Commissioners on State Laws (updated in 2006). Twenty states have already adopted it. Since so much of organ donation involves donors and recipients in different states, it is important that Alaska adopt this standard. In addition, HB 196 now includes new statutory changes on wills and trusts.
Governor Palin’s Health Commission, Plan and Facilities Proposal:
Governor Palin introduced companion bills in the House, HB 337, and in the Senate, SB 245, that address three separate issues:
- Establishing a statewide health advisory commission
- Eliminating the Certificate of Need for new health facilities
- Creating a transparency program so consumers can determine cost of services, pharmaceuticals, etc., as well as the quality record of a particular facility or health provider.
AARP has recommended that the three items be considered as separate bills. The elimination of the certificate of need has positioned Alaska’s hospitals against the Governor and against free-standing imaging centers that the hospitals believe will eliminate their own imaging centers (considered profitable) which they use to underwrite services where they lose money (eg., emergency rooms, social work supportive services, etc). We are concerned that the battle over the certificate of need has grown so contentious that it could bring down the other two items. A statewide advisory body on health makes sense and a transparency program for costs and quality can prove to be very helpful for consumers.
Representative Mike Kelly has offered HB 245 which would be a compromise on the certificate of need which has already been agreed to by all parties. Senator Bettye Davis has offered SB 300 which would encompass the commission and the transparency program but would eliminate any discussion of changing the certificate of need. Both SB 300 and Governor Palin’s SB 245 have been sent forward to Senate Finance. HB 337 has been sitting in House Finance for some time. None of the bills are scheduled for a hearing at this time. It is uncertain if the Committees will take up these bills this week. We understand they remain a priority for the Governor.
Provide Insurance/Medicaid Coverage for Clinical Cancer Trials:
SB 280 is authored by Senator Bettye Davis and would mandate private insurance coverage or Medicaid coverage for a cancer patient undergoing a specialized clinical trial. Currently many insurance programs will not provide coverage when undergoing a clinical trial which is considered “experimental.” SB 280 would eliminate this practice and provide continuous coverage while undergoing treatment, traditional or experimental. AARP supports SB 280. The bill passed two Senate Committees and is now in Senate Finance awaiting a hearing.
Consumer Issues
Alaska Housing Trust:
With the encouragement of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Governor Palin has included $10 million in her proposed budget to the Legislature to establish an Alaska Housing Trust. Organizations as diverse as Wells Fargo Bank, the Salvation Army, Bristol Bay Native Corporation and AARP have joined with seventy other organizations in support of the proposal. Thirty-four states have already established Housing Trusts. Currently the need for affordable housing solutions is outpacing the ability of the federal, state, and local governments to serve those needs. Housing trust funds have established themselves as a critical tool to helping alleviate housing problems. In addition to helping older residents, these funds provide relief for a wide range of housing problems as well as providing supportive services. Governor Palin introduced companion bills in the House and Senate, HB 324 and SB 231. SB 231 passed Senate Finance on Monday, April 7 and is now in Rules awaiting a Senate Floor vote. Two options are now likely; either the Senate bill will pass and go to the House or the House Finance Committee could pass the House bill and send it to the Floor. Since neither bill has been amended, it should be fairly easy to get concurrence, if the House is as supportive as the Senate.
Extension of the Alaska Commission on Aging:
HB 276 has been introduced by Representative Andrea Doll with two companion bills in the Senate, SB 188, by Senator Gene Therriault and SB 209, by Senator Bettye Davis, to extend the life of the Alaska Commission on Aging from June 30, 2008 to June 30, 2016.
The Commission on Aging received an extremely positive audit and, with the increasing number of older Alaskans, it is vital that the Alaska Commission on Aging assume an even more visible role as the focal point for aging issues in state government. HB 276has passed HouseHESS and was referred to House Finance. SB 209 passed the Senate and House and is on its way to the Governor for her signature. SB 243, a “clean-up” recommended by the state auditor to specify clearly ACOA’s responsibilities is scheduled for a hearing in House Finance on Tuesday, April 8.
Identity Theft:
Senator Gene Therriault re-introduced the 2006 bi-partisan bill which died in the last days of the session when then-Senate President Ben Stevens refused to bring it to a vote.
Since he is now in the Senate minority, Senator Therriault’s SB 21 was not heard at all in 2007. However, Representative John Coghill and Representative Les Gara introduced a bi-partisan companion bill in the House, HB 65, which passed two committees and was heard on January 23 before House Finance. The House bill has an additional ten co-sponsors from both parties. We expect HB 65 to be the vehicle that keeps moving. These bills require any organization to immediately report any breaches of personal information. It will restrict the sale and distribution of Social Security numbers. It will allow consumers to freeze and unfreeze their credit report information. The bill will protect consumers from the growing threat of identity theft and consumer fraud. AARP is strongly in support of the bill as is the Alaska Public Interest Research Group (AkPIRG) and the Alaska Attorney General’s office. The bill passed the House 35-0 and two Senate Committees. It is now in Senate Finance awaiting a hearing.
Guardianship and Conservators:
The Senate Labor and Commerce Committee introduced SB 101, a Committee bill which will create several consumer safeguards. Included in the provisions are:
- Requiring licensing for anyone identifying themselves as a private professional guardian or conservator
- Prohibiting anyone who has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor for theft or fraud in the last ten years from serving in either capacity
- Require professional liability insurance
- Require a comprehensive annual report of all activities
SB 101 passed Labor and Commerce and Senate State Affairs and has been sent to Senate Finance. The Alaska Attorney General’s office recommended to the Legislature that Alaska adopt a uniform a uniform law on guardianship similar to what has been adopted in other states and is recommended by the National Association of Attorney Generals. AARP supports this effort and a committee substitute was presented to Senate Finance which includes all these provisions. States should have consistent standards to protect the rights of a ward as well as to prevent abuse in guardianship proceedings. In addition, Alaskans, like many other older Americans, often have ties to more than one state. Consistent laws adopted by all states benefit everyone and help prevent problems.
The bill passed both Houses and has been sent to the Governor for her signature.
Promotional Checks:
Have you ever received a check for $10 or $25 and not known why? Companies use these “promotional checks” to lure unsuspecting individuals and companies to deposit the check. Next thing you know, because you didn’t read the small print, you have a lifetime subscription to a magazine you never heard of. Representative Bob Lynn has introduced HB 182 at the request of the Alaska Attorney General’s office. HB 182 would make it illegal to send unsolicited promotional checks to any individual or business in Alaska. The bill has already passed the House 37-0. It has also picked up twelve House co-sponsors, Republicans and Democrats. The bill passed both Houses and has been transmitted to the Governor for her signature.
State Veterans’ Cemetery Fund:
Representatives David Guttenberg and Andrea Doll have jointly introduced HB 45, which would allow Alaska to establish a fund for state cemeteries for veterans. Currently the only veterans’ cemeteries are in Anchorage and Sitka. This bill would allow the state to establish additional cemeteries. Currently the most logical location would be Fairbanks. The Interior has over 11,000 veterans. Alaska has the highest per capita number of veterans in the United States. HB 45 passed the House 36-0 and also passed Senate State Affairs. The bill was heard in Senate Finance but may get stuck there. The Department of Veterans and Military Affairs has refused to do a “cost estimate” for the fiscal note and, because of their lack of interest and support, the bill may die.
False Caller Identification:
Representatives Bob Lynn and Berta Gardner introduced HB 7 which would make it illegal to use false caller identification. The Federal Trade Commission does not regulate false caller ID usage (referred to by law enforcement as “spoofing”). It is currently legal in Alaska to use a false caller identification which is displayed on a telephone caller identification screen. An entire industry has developed that sells “spoofing” cards to telemarketers that disguise not only the calling number but even the caller’s voice. AARP supports HB 7 and has testified in House Judiciary and in House Finance.
The bill passed the House 29-0 and was been referred to Senate Judiciary. The bill was sent to Senate Finance on February 1 and no hearing has been scheduled to date.
AWWU Exemption from RCA regulation:
AARP is in opposition to SB 155. The Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility (AWWU) has asked for four rate increases in the last three years. SB 155 asks the Legislature to remove AWWU from oversight by the RCA when they want to propose new rate increases. If that happened, only the Anchorage Assembly would have the responsibility to approve new rates. The Assembly simply does not have the experienced engineers, financial analysts, and attorneys to determine if a rate increase is justified. The RCA does and AARP believes AWWU should remain under their review for any proposed new increases. The bill was referred to Senate Labor and Commerce and did not have a hearing at all in 2006. We understand the Municipality may have decided not to move the bill forward and will let it die at the end of session.
Expand Alaska Energy Assistance Program:
Representative Mary Nelson introduced HB 308 which would provide state funding to supplement the energy assistance program currently funded by the federal government. The federal program makes energy assistance payments available to Alaskans who fall below 150% of the federal poverty level. HB 308 would provide eligibility up to 175% of the federal poverty level. For a single person, the higher eligibility would be at an annual income of $22,750 and for a couple at $30,625. The bill was heard by House Community and Regional Affairs and passed Tuesday, March 11. It is scheduled to go to House Finance next. Since the funding was provided for SB 289 (see below), it may be more difficult for Representative Nelson to get attention paid to this bill.
Home Energy Conservation and Weatherization:
Senator Lyman Hoffman, working collaboratively with the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, introduced SB 289 which would use trained staff of AHFC to determine what improvements could be made to residences to improve their energy efficiency. Rather than simply give checks to help pay utility bills, weatherization could bring down those costs permanently. AARP strongly supports this effort. The bill passed the Senate 18 to 1. The bill received only one referral in the House and was heard on April 3. The $300 million funding for the program has already been approved and signed by the Governor. This should turn out to be one of the largest weatherization programs in Alaska’s history.
Increase the Alaska Minimum Wage:
Senator Bill Wielechowski introduced SB 187 which would increase the Alaska minimum wage. Currently the minimum wage here is $7.15. The federal minimum wage is scheduled to move to $7.25 in 2009. SB 187 would move the Alaska minimum wage to $8.00 and index it to inflation. AARP testified in support of the bill in its initial hearing in Senate Labor and Commerce. It passed this Committee and has now been sent to Senate Finance. No hearing is scheduled at this time.
Clean Elections:
Senator Bill Wielechowski introduced SB 182 which provides for public funding of elections if a candidate chooses to accept public funds. Arizona, Maine and New Jersey are among several states that have passed similar bills in the last few years. Candidates can concentrate on campaigning and discussing their positions and do not have to spend time raising money. Additionally, states that have adopted clean election laws have seen an increase in voting, an increase in small contributions from citizens instead of large contributions from corporations and lobbyists, and an increase in public participation in campaigns. AARP testified in support of SB 182 at its first hearing before Senate Community and Regional Affairs on February 5. The bill has not moved out of the Committee at this time. A companion bill, HB 261, was introduced in the House by Representative Gabrielle LeDoux. This bill has not moved. This measure will appear on the November ballot as an initiative and is likely to pass in the general election.
Pawn Shop Regulation:
Representative Bob Roses introduced HB 258 late in the session. It would create comprehensive regulations for pawn shops in Alaska. Pawn shops are part of the “alternative financial services” that include payday lenders and check-cashing outlets. The Federal Reserve Board found that 10.6% of families do not have a checking account, including 7.9% of families headed by people age 50 or over. An AARP survey found that 19% of people between the ages of 50 and 64 have used one of these alternatives to cash a check, usually at a fee much higher than a bank would charge. Alaska’s current oversight of pawnshops is very weak and should be strengthened. HB 258 has been referred to the House Labor and Commerce Committee but there is insufficient time for it to move through the Legislature at this late date.
For additional information:
Marie Darlin, Coordinator Patrick Luby
415
907-586-3637 (voice) 907-762-3314 (work)
907-463-3580 (fax) 907-599-0839 (cell)
907-341-2270 (fax)
jluby@aarp.org
Added: April 9, 2008
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For Immediate Release
April 1, 2008
Contact: Ann Secrest
907-762-3302 or 907-230-6072
Anchorage School Gets Top Honors
One high school in each state honored in celebration of AARP’s 50th anniversary
ANCHORAGE, AK-- In celebration of its 50th anniversary, AARP established the Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award for Innovation in honor of its founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. During 2008, AARP is celebrating by awarding grants to innovative high schools to support creative programs that enhance student achievement. Alaska’s winner is East Anchorage High School, Alaska’s largest high school.
East High School introduced an innovative Advisory Program, which personalizes education by fostering a one-to-one relationship between every student and advisor. Knowing that greater involvement with school increases the potential for student achievement, East initiated a student led Change of Heart program, targeting freshman with the goal of reducing social, gender, or cultural prejudices. From its success grew another student-led program, Be the Change, which reinforces tolerance and acceptance among sophomores and addresses the challenges of peer pressure, with a focus on sex, drugs and alcohol. The goals of these two programs are to strengthen students bonds with each other and their school. In an effort to fully integrate all students into the school community, East High initiated a third student-led program, the Partner’s Club, which provides an opportunity for students with and without disabilities to get to know each other and interact through sports and social activities. These students develop skills of acceptance and understanding. The Partner’s Club exemplifies a culture where all students have the opportunity to be an active and successful part of the community.
All of East Anchorage High School’s innovation programs have led to an overwhelmingly positive school climate, said East Anchorage High School principal Michael Graham. “Our programs have created a caring school-wide culture, increased student connectedness and student-staff partnerships. I’m really proud of our school, our students, teachers, and staff.”
“It is so appropriate for us to recognize the innovative programs at East,” said George Hieronymus, AARP Alaska State President. “Dr. Andrus was on the leading edge of innovative programs for her students in California; now, 50 years later, it’s great to honor East Anchorage High School for its innovative programs.”
“Dr. Andrus believed in student potential,” said Barbara Rich, President of the Alaska Retired Teachers Association (AK-REA), a unit of the National Retired Teachers Association (NRTA). I think all teachers, whether they’re still teaching or retired, never stop looking for that potential in others. East Anchorage High School’s programs raise the bar on how students can give back to their communities and each other.”
For more information on the Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award for Innovation, go to www.aarp.org/nrta.
Background on Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, NRTA and AARP
Dr. Andrus became California’s first female high school principal 1916 when she was appointed principal of East Los Angeles High School. She soon changed the name to Abraham Lincoln High School, hoping to inspire its large (2,500) and ethnically diverse student body. She set high academic standards and involved students in ambitious service projects that reached into every corner of the community. Following her many years in education, Dr. Andrus turned her attention to the needs of people in the second half of their lives by volunteering with the California Retired Teachers Association.
After she discovered a former teacher living in a chicken coop, Dr. Andrus was shocked to learn many retired educators had no health insurance and were struggling with inadequate pensions. She founded the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947 to give retired teachers a national voice. After winning the battle to make group health insurance available to NRTA members, she went on to establish AARP. In November 2002, this division of AARP was rebranded and is now known as NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP’s vision is a society in which everyone ages with dignity and purpose, and in which AARP helps people fulfill their goals and dreams. Dr. Andrus lived her life by the motto, “To serve, not to be served,” which remains AARP’s motto. AARP is a champion for all generations, devoted to using its power to make it better for everyone.
Added: April 1, 2008
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MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
March 15, 2008
Ann Secrest, AARP Alaska
cell 907-230-6072
Press Conference Called on Public Pension Legislation
~ Press Conference follows morning legislative hearing on SB183 ~
ANCHORAGE, AK – The Alaskan Public Pension Coalition, made up of 16 statewide organizations, has called a press conference for Tuesday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bettye Fahrenkamp Room, State Capitol. The press conference follows a hearing on Senate Bill 183, which is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. earlier in the day in the Beltz Room 211 at the Capitol.
Troopers, nurses, teachers, firefighters, public safety officers, and retirees are expected to testify on SB 183 before the Senate State Affairs Committee, starting at 9:00 a.m. Sen. Lesil McGuire chairs the committee.
The new bipartisan legislation, introduced in May 2007 by Sen. Kim Elton (D), Sen. Lesil McGuire
(R), Sen. Johnny Ellis (D) and Sen. Bill Wielechowski (D) would return Alaska to the former public
pension system. It is the Coalition’s position that the new retirement system, implemented in July
2006, does not guarantee a pension or health insurance and is therefore eroding any safety net for
recent hires while damaging Alaska’s chances for attracting and retaining qualified workers.
LEGISLATIVE HEARING (Morning)
WHAT: Testimony on SB 183
WHO: Troopers, nurses, teachers, firefighters, public safety officers, and retirees
WHEN: Tuesday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Beltz Room 211, State Capitol
PRESS CONFERENCE (Afternoon)
WHAT: Reaction to testimony and position of Coalition
WHO: Sen. Kim Elton
Vince Beltrami, President, AFL-CIO
Bill Bjork, President, NEA-Alaska
Jim Duncan, Business Manager, ASEA
The names of troopers, nurses, teachers, firefighters, public safety officers,
and retirees who testified and who will appear at the press conference will
be made available.
NOTE: * Sen. Lesil McGuire invited to attend
WHEN: Tuesday, March 18 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Bettye Fahrenkamp Room, State Capitol
COALITION MEMBERS INCLUDE:
- NEA-Alaska
- Anchorage Police Department Employees Association (APDEA)
- Alaska State Employees Association/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 52 (ASEA/AFSCME)
- Alaska Public Employees Association/American Federation of Teachers (APEA/AFT)
- AFL-CIO
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 1547 (IBEW)
- National Public Pension Coalition
- Anchorage Fire Fighters Union, Local 1264
- Alaska Professional Fire Fighters Association
- Alaska Retired Educators Association
- Anchorage Education Association
- Public Safety Employees Association/American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Local 803 (PSEA/AFSCME)
- Public Employees, Local 71
- AARP Alaska
- Teamsters, Local 959
- Alaska Center for Public Policy
TEXT FROM FULL PAGE AD SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN THE JUNEAU
EMPIRE MONDAY, MARCH 17, 2008
Alaskans who make it to age 65 often have to prepare financially for a long time in retirement.
Twenty-nine percent of women who reach age 65 will also reach 90. Eighteen percent of men who
reach 65 will make it to 90.
Will the new defined contribution plan for public employees work for them? The answer is no. When you crunch the numbers over a 25- or 30-year career in public service, you’ll see that even if these employees manage to put aside enough to retire on, their savings will get wiped out by medical bills when they have an accident or illness strikes.
It is true that many private companies have switched from defined benefit to defined contribution
pension plans in recent years. But every employee of a private company participates in Social
Security which is, by design, a form of defined benefit pension. Alaska’s police officers, fire fighters, teachers, state and municipal employees and thousands of other dedicated public employees do not have Social Security. They have no safety net.
You cannot outlive Social Security. You can, and many older Alaskans will, outlive the new defined
contribution plan for our municipal and state employees and teachers. What will Alaska do with
retired police officers, fire fighters and teachers who outlive their contributions and have no other
pension and no Social Security?
This week the Senate State Affairs Committee will hear SB 183.
AARP requests the Senate State Affairs Committee to remove our public employees from financial
risk. Please support SB 183 and return Alaska to our former public pension system.
###
Added: March 17, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 1, 2008
Contact Ann Secrest
(907) 762-3302 or (907) 230-6072
Tax-Aide Sites Open for Business for the 2008 Tax Season
~ Over $4 million returned to Alaskan taxpayers in 2007 ~
ANCHORAGE, AK -- Volunteers will be available at numerous sites around Alaska Feb. 1 – Apr. 15 to help Alaskan taxpayers file basic tax returns.
AARP’s Tax-Aide program is designed to prepare basic tax returns for most low and middle income taxpayers, with an emphasis on senior citizens and disabled taxpayers. Sites are staffed by volunteers who have received training from the IRS. The service is free.
According to Jan Watson, volunteer state coordinator for Alaska’s Tax-Aide program, Tax-Aide volunteers helped return $4,141,389 in refunds to Alaskan taxpayers and an estimated $465,000 was saved by taxpayers in tax prep fees. By the April 15 deadline, 4,324 Alaskans were served by the Tax-Aide program during the 2007 tax season.
Tax-Aide sites are located throughout the state, including Anchorage, Craig, Delta Junction, Fairbanks, Homer, Houston, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Metlakatla, Nikiski, North Pole, Palmer, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Talkeetna, Valdez, Wasilla, Willow and Wrangell. Unless otherwise noted, all appointments are first-come, first-serve. At some sites, scheduling an appointment is recommended.
AARP’s Tax-Aide program offers free one-on-one counseling, as well as assistance on the telephone and internet to help individuals prepare basic tax forms, including the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ and other standard schedules.
ANCHORAGE
Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 E. 19th Ave., Anchorage
Mondays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 – Apr. 14 (closed Feb. 18)
Crosspoint Church, 1920 W. Dimond (next to Joanne Fabrics), Anchorage
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 – Apr. 15
First Free Methodist Church, 4607 East 6th Ave., Anchorage
Wednesdays, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Feb. 6 – Apr. 9
Muldoon Mall, 1251 Muldoon Road, Anchorage
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.
* Thai interpreter available Saturdays, 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 – Apr. 15
Spenard Rec Center, 2020 West 48th Ave., Anchorage
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 5 – Apr. 15
MAT-SU VALLEY
Palmer Senior Center, 831 S. Chugach St., Palmer
Fridays, 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 2 – Apr. 12
Call 745-5454 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins welcome
Wasilla Senior Center, 1301 Century Circle, Wasilla
Mondays, Feb. 4 – Apr. 14, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Feb. 9, Feb. 16 and April 12 only, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Call 376-3104 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins also welcome
Mid-Valley Senior Center, Mile 53, Parks Hwy, Houston
Feb. 4, Feb. 11, and April 14 only, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Call 892-6114 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins also welcome
Upper Susitna Senior Housing, 1605 E. Helena, Talkeetna
Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and Apr. 3 only, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Call 746-6113 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins also welcome
Willow Senior Housing, 32186 W. Parks Hwy (Mile 70), Willow
Feb. 15, Feb. 29 and Apr 4 only; 12 noon – 4:00 p.m.
Call 746-6113 to schedule an appointment; walk-ins also welcome
Glacier View Bible Church, Milepost 99, Glenn Hwy
March 31 and Apr. 7 only, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Call 746-1421 to schedule an appointment
FAIRBANKS & SURROUNDING AREA
Noel Wien Library, 1215 Cowles St. Fairbanks
Tuesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12 noon – 3:00 p.m.
Feb. 12 – Apr. 15
Fairbanks Senior Center, 1424 Moore St., Fairbanks
Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 – Apr. 14
Call 452-1735 to schedule an appointment
North Pole Senior Center, 101 East 5th Ave., North Pole
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Feb. 15 – Apr. 11
Call 488-3883 to schedule an appointment
North Pole Library, 601 Snowman Lane, North Pole
Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Feb. 13 – Apr. 9
Delta Junction Senior Center, 2287 Deborah St., Delta Junction
Call 895-4956 to schedule an appointment
KENAI PENINSULA AREA
Seward Senior Center, 336 3rd St., Seward
Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Feb. 11 – April 14 (closed Feb. 18 and Feb. 20)
Call 224-5604 to schedule an appointment
AVTEC Library, 4th Avenue, Seward
Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. &n