Legislative Wins for AARP Alaska in the 26th Legislature

By: States: Alaska | Source: AARP.org

Here are a list of various key pieces of legislation and how they impact Alaskans.

Economic Issue: Senate Bill 1 will increase the Alaska minimum wage by 50 cents over the national minimum wage.  AARP testified that this impacts older people who are working in jobs that only pay the minimum wage. Senate Bill 1 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Health Issue: House Bill 26 ensures the Adult Dental Benefit Program under Medicaid continues past June 30, 2009. Over 7,600 adult Alaskans on Medicaid have used this program over the last fourteen months. The program offers a maximum annual benefit of $1,150. House Bill 26 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Health Issue: Senate Bill 133 establishes a system in state government to compliment efforts made by our health providers, the VA, the Alaska Native Health System, and the military system to be able to exchange health records. AARP supports this effort as it will result in fewer medical errors and lower health care costs. Senate Bill 133 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Health Issue: House Bill 123 extends the Alaska Suicide Council for another five years. Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation. House Bill 123 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Consumer Issue: Senate Bill 45 allows Alaska to establish a fund for state cemeteries for veterans. Currently the only veterans’ cemeteries are in Anchorage and Sitka and one which Bethel established. The bill would allow the state to establish additional cemeteries. Alaska has the highest per capita number of veterans in the United States. Senate Bill 45 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Consumer Issue: House Bill 93 adds cell phones to the Do Not Call registry. It gives the Alaska’s Attorney General the authority to prosecute anyone who calls cell phones already listed on the registry.  House Bill 93 is being transmitted to the Governor.

Consumer Issue: Senate Bill 115 establishes a new rural/urban energy assistance program and Senate Bill 116 provides for $9 million in funding. This money will be added to the LIHEAP program for energy assistance for low and moderate income Alaskans.

Budget Issue: AARP supported the University of Alaska’s budget request for health programs, including the transfer from the University of Washington to the University of Alaska the physician assistant training program. Previously ten Alaskans were included in the PA training program in Seattle. The program will now be housed at the University of Alaska in Anchorage and the number of slots will increase to 20.

Budget Issue: In an effort to develop a housing trust, AARP collaborated with the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and Alaska Housing Finance Corporation to support homeless or near-homeless families to retain or secure safe shelter.  The total secured for activities for these families is $8 million.

Budget Issue: An additional $1.2 million was secured to provide a rate increase for providers serving older Alaskans and persons with developmental disabilities to help them stay in their home and communities.