The first semiannual meeting of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens was held on Thursday, May 10, 2007, at 1:00 PM, at the Capital Plaza Hotel, in Frankfort. Laurel True, Chair, called the meeting to order.
Present were:
Members: Laurel True, Chair; J. T. Boling, Leon Boyd, Ruth Bryant, Aaron Cardwell, Peggy Chadwick, Douglas Cole, Maxine Cummins, Bertha Daniels, Leon Dodge, Joe Doebler, Randall Donahue, Rowena Emerson, Finnell Fields, Ed Flanagan, Jane Fugate, Rufus Fugate, Barbara Germain, Margaret Gilland, Dell Hall, Bill Harned, Frank Hatfield, Edna Hawkins, Bobby Hazen, Don Helton, Faye Hensley, Jim Heth, Eleanor Holbrook, Carolyn Horn, Betty Huff, James Huff, Bobby Humes, Argene Jones, Ray Kremer, Gayle Lawson, Nancy Linville, Phillip Martin, Pete McNeill, Denver Moore, Jack Niece, Vivian Niece, Elmer Olson, Kenneth Overhults, Norman Pallarito, Joy Payne, Jean Phelps, Nancy Purvis, Stanley Ramey, Lillian Rice, Clarence Richardson, Ray Roundtree, John Schreiber, John Searcy, Clayton Shannon, Martha Shircliffe, Berton Sisk, Fred Smith, Martha Smith, Paul Steenbergen, Donald Stethen, Pat Sutton, Ernest Taylor, Jim Terrell, Claude Tiller, Mary Trimble, Joan Veazey, Joe Wahlen, Alban Wheeler, Lillian Wheeler, and Ken Willis.
Guests: Deborah Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living; Maxwell Bailey, Director, Division of Emergency Management, Department of Military Affairs; Tracy Bertram, Office of Insurance; Senator Tom Buford; Representative Derrick Graham; Dr. William Hacker, Commissioner, Department for Public Health; John Doug Hays, Deputy Judge Executive, Pike County; Glenn Jennings, Commissioner, Department for Medicaid Services; Ellen Kershaw, Alzheimer’s Association; Phyllis Parker, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Representative Tanya Pullin; Don Sheilds, Office of Insurance; Representative Charlie Siler; Representative Kathy Stein; Malcolm (Mac) Wall, Executive Director, Kentucky Educational Television; and Kevin Winstead, Assistant Attorney General.
LRC Staff: Katie Carney, Janice Clark, Sally Everman, Miriam Fordham, Rhonda Franklin, Jamie Griffin, Linda Hughes, Adanna Hydes, Bud Kraft, Sheri Mahan, Charlotte Quarles, Jim Roberts, Ashli Schmidt, and Cindy Smith.
Chairman True welcomed everyone to the Commission’s first semiannual meeting for 2007, the 30th year of the founding of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens. Chairman True expressed his hope that everyone had a safe and pleasant trip from their home to Frankfort. Chairman True then introduced those seated at the head table.
Chairman True informed members that a copy of the minutes of the Commission’s meeting on November 2-3, 2006, which had been mailed earlier, was in their folders. He asked members if there were any proposed additions or deletions. Chairman True asked for a motion to adopt the minutes as presented. A motion was made and seconded, and the minutes were adopted.
Chairman True introduced the new members appointed to the Commission since the November 2006 meeting:
Mr. Don Helton, nominated by the KIPDA Area Development District; and
Mr. Alban Wheeler, nominated by the Gateway Area Development District.
Chairman True announced that two members had passed away since the Commission’s last meeting, Mr. Randall Wells and Mrs. Bettie Weyler. Mr. Wells passed away on November 25, 2006, and Mrs. Weyler on January 11, 2007. Chairman True informed members that resolutions in memory of Mr. Wells and Mrs. Weyler, which had been mailed earlier, were in their folders, and asked that they review the resolutions. Chairman True called for a motion to adopt each resolution. A single motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions, and the resolutions were adopted. Chairman True announced that the resolutions would be transmitted to family and friends of Mr. Wells and Mrs. Weyler.
Chairman True introduced Deborah Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living, Cabinet for Health and Family Services to discuss the progress of the newly created department.
Commissioner Anderson thanked Chairman True for inviting her to speak and also thanked the Commission members for their hard work. Commissioner Anderson gave a PowerPoint presentation that explained the organization of the department.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the department is located within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Within the department there are two divisions, the Division of Quality Living and the Division of Operations and Support. The Division of Quality Living houses the Long Term Living Branch and the Community Opportunities Branch. The Division of Operations and Support houses the Program Development and Support Branch and the Financial Management Branch.
Commissioner Anderson informed members about the department’s primary goals. The goals are to:
· Centralize policy coordination, services, and leadership on issues concerning older Kentuckians and individuals with disabilities;
· Ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities live independently and with dignity;
· Ensure that seniors and individuals with disabilities enjoy quality living as well as quality of care; and,
· Provide services to help seniors and those with disabilities, their families, and caregivers, through a statewide network of local, private, and public agencies.
Commissioner Anderson added that in order to accomplish these goals, it is required that the department:
· Offer a comprehensive array of options, designed to deliver services in the most efficient, fiscally responsible manner possible;
· Ensure services provided are of the highest quality and grounded in evidence based practices;
· Make certain citizens are involved in their own personal health care and prevention, and disease management and wellness programs; and,
· Ensure local community and citizen participation is included in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and services.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the department has seven main priorities. These priorities are safety, access, quality care, quality living, healthy aging, resource development, and planning. Commissioner Anderson informed the members about the department’s activities in each priority area.
Commissioner Anderson stated that under the safety area, the department:
· Ensures that each adult day care center and assisted living facility receives certification;
· Oversees the administration of the Long Term Care Ombudsman program, which is located in the Office of the Ombudsman, and plans to work with the Long Term Care Ombudsman collaboratively to further enhance services related to the senior and disabled populations;
· Will implement a bio-terrorism/emergency response system;
· Focuses on elder abuse with House Bill 298 to further improve reporting of incidents of maltreatment; accountability and coordination; and provide training for victims’ advocates, caseworkers, judicial officials, and law enforcement;
· Supports initiatives such as passage of the Golden Alert legislation; and,
· Support broker and case management activities through collaboration with the Department of Community Based Services on safety training in the field and providing flexible funding to the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to build safety measures through technology.
Commissioner Anderson stated that under the access area, the department has begun the Kentucky Resource Market program. Some of the features of the program highlighted were a single point of entry; technology infrastructure; “a no wrong doors” philosophy; a statewide toll free number; aging disability resource markets; resources of aging caregivers for the mentally retarded; and a website. Commissioner Anderson commented that Northern Kentucky has piloted an aging and disability resource market, which is designed to be a one-stop clearinghouse for long-term care information, service referrals, and personalized assistance to those seeking access to community services.
Commissioner Anderson informed members that in the quality care area, the department has focused on:
· The Alzheimer’s state plan which includes implementation of SJR 6 and completion of a grant application;
· The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) dealing with Medicare Part D;
· Providing a continuum of care by launching Optimum and Comprehensive Choices plans as part of the Medicaid transformation; expanding the provider base; expanding consumer directed options (CDO) for elder care programs; offering private insurance; and, offering additional mental health services;
· Having regional plans that review outcomes and performance and also allows for the monitoring of programs;
· Implementing a pilot dementia care training program, which has been allocated $100,000; and,
· Implementing a senior community service employment program.
Commissioner Anderson next spoke about the department’s activities undertaken as part of the quality of living area. The quality of living activities focus on:
· The Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI), in which, during Phase 1, 1,000 Kentuckians participated in 30 focus groups and 15 community forums and plans are underway for a survey during Phase 2;
· Emphasizing independent living to have such features as a universal design, access, assistive technology, age friendly communities, and transportation;
· Providing community based services which include a homecare program, personal care attendants, and adult day care centers;
· Discussing the future of senior centers;
· Enacting a quality initiative partnership with nursing homes;
· Allowing for a consumer directed option which will allow participants to control and direct Medicaid funds through individual budgets; and,
· Assisting aging caregivers for the mentally retarded and grandparents faced with raising their grandchildren by providing statewide information, access, legal resources, education and training, estate planning, and long term planning.
Commissioner Anderson informed the members about the Governor’s Office for Wellness and Physical Activity program, Get Healthy Kentucky, which promotes statewide health and physical fitness activities. She emphasized the importance of communities and centers organizing senior games to help promote healthy activity.
Commissioner Anderson highlighted some additional activities the department has been doing to promote healthy aging. They are:
· Providing the Simplified Assistance for the Elderly Program (SAFE), which offers the elderly a simplified version of the regular Food Stamp Program;
· Enhancing nutrition programs by focusing on congregate and home delivered meals;
· Focusing on prevention and disease management through immunizations, injury prevention, and self-management techniques; and,
· Focusing on mental illness, mental retardation, and substance abuse through symposiums, cross-training, coalitions, and shared staffing.
Commissioner Anderson next gave an update on funding the department has been appropriated. She stated that $7.5 million has been received for increased funding for programs serving the state’s aging populations, including homecare, personal care assistance programs, and adult day care. She added that $3.2 million is being used for a new caretaker assistance program for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, which includes grandparents younger than 65 who were previously ineligible for assistance. Commissioner Anderson emphasized again the $100,000 received for a pilot dementia training program to better equip Kentucky’s long-term care facilities to deal with the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Commissioner Anderson ended her presentation with a list of items that the department will focus on to help plan for the future. These items were data collection; evidence based practices; research based approaches; collaboration across service networks; coalition building; effective service policies; performance based contracting; and, grants.
Chairman True thanked Commissioner Anderson for participating in the Commission’s program and providing valuable information on the progress of the Department for Aging and Independent Living.
Chairman True announced to the Commission that the Executive Committee had discussed making a recommendation to receive additional funds from the General Assembly for the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), the number one recommendation that would come from the full Commission. Chairman True added that he would like each subcommittee to develop additional recommendations and determine each subcommittee’s priority recommendation other than the need for additional funding. Chairman True informed members that some additional information would be mailed to them within the next few months.
Chairman True recognized Ms. Miriam Fordham for some announcements. The primary announcement was a change in the procedure for receiving nominations. Nominations from the floor would be accepted at the November, 2007, meeting for the position of Commission Chair and Vice Chair after the Nominating Committee report is received and adopted.
After Ms. Fordham’s announcements, Chairman True adjourned the opening general session to allow the subcommittees to convene.
Chairman True convened the dinner session, and welcomed the members and their guests. Chairman True recognized Mr. Fred Smith to give the invocation. Following the invocation, Chairman True introduced those seated at the head table. After dinner, Chairman True recognized Ms. Fordham for a special communication and introduction of the legislative hosts for the evening.
Ms. Fordham read the following communication from Mr. Gilmore Dutton to the commission members.
“Good evening, Commission members and guests.”
“As these words are being spoken, I am recuperating from hip replacement surgery in Sarasota, Florida. The surgery was performed a week ago, on Wednesday, May 2. My doctors, nurses, and therapists tell me I’m doing extremely well, and since I’ve never had hip surgery, I’ll have to take their word for it. I regret not being with you tonight, but the choice of date was the surgeon’s, not mine.”
“For more than a year, family commitments which require me to be out-of-state have made organizing these twice-a-year statewide conferences more and more difficult, and in the upcoming months those commitments will become even more demanding, so I have decided that this is an appropriate time to give up the job of commission staff coordinator, which I have so thoroughly enjoyed, and pass it on to another member of the LRC staff. The timing of my decision and this announcement is fortuitous, but welcome, and because we are some 900 miles apart, and I do not do “good byes” well.”
“I want you to know how much of a pleasure it has been, and how honored and proud I have been to be associated with you these past ten years. The friendships that were formed are among my most cherished, and I look forward to our paths crossing at some future date.”
“Individually and collectively your employment resumes and histories of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth, especially its senior citizens, are truly amazing. I cannot think of any other organization even approaching yours in terms of life experiences, abilities, knowledge, and service. As I say goodbye, I urge you to continue your good works, and demonstrate the leadership in issues affecting the state’s senior citizens that was intended when this Commission was formed.”
“God bless, and God speed.”
“Gilmore Dutton”
Ms. Fordham next introduced the legislative hosts for the evening. Representing the legislature were Senator Tom Buford, Representative Derrick Graham, and Representative Charlie Siler.
Chairman True introduced Mr. Malcolm “Mac” Wall, Executive Director, Kentucky Educational Television (KET), as the guest speaker for the evening. Mr. Wall thanked Chairman True for the invitation to speak to the Commission.
Mr. Wall informed members that television is a powerful part of our culture. He added that no matter where people are from, what we do, or what our ethnic or social backgrounds are, we can almost all find some commonalities as a result of television. He stated that television today is more about technological advances and the changing consumer.
Mr. Wall asked the Commission members to participate in a test of their knowledge of television culture. Mr. Wall named characters or actors from television shows, and then asked the members to name the television show. After the short quiz, Mr. Wall spoke about how television has changed over the years. Mr. Wall informed members that in 1954 the first color broadcast was shown. This broadcast was of the Rose Parade. Mr. Wall reminded members that also in 1954 the cost of a color television set was the same as the cost of a car, around $1,000.
Mr. Wall next informed members about the future of television, by stating that on February 17, 2009, all television stations will sign off their analog transmitters, and will only broadcast in digital format. Mr. Wall also mentioned how television is transmitted to computer websites like YouTube, video on iPods, and video to cell phones. He stated that television is no longer limited to a box of wires and lights in the living room. Mr. Wall announced that KET has embraced all of the new technologies available and is using these various technologies to provide new services to people all across the Commonwealth. Mr. Wall informed members that KET is delivering new channels beyond KET 1 and KET 2. He noted that in addition to a classroom channel in every Kentucky school, KET is planning to launch a new channel next year focused on an all Kentucky content.
Mr. Wall informed members that KET has made a commitment to enhancing the physical health of Kentuckians over the next five years. KET will be working with the University of Kentucky’s School of Public Health and the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky by broadcasting statewide health advocacy forums. Mr. Wall added that these broadcasts are just one of the components of KET’s comprehensive vision to inspire a culture shift in health attitudes and practices among Kentuckians. Mr. Wall showed a video to the members that highlighted KET’s engagement in the lives and concerns of Kentuckians today.
Mr. Wall then informed members of a new seven part series that will be airing in September and October. The series is by Ken Burns, who also created the well-known documentary, “The Civil War”. In this new documentary Mr. Burns presents viewers with an examination of World War II. The new series is titled, “The War”, which intertwines eyewitness accounts of the realities of life on the front lines with remembrances of Americans on the home front who carried on with the business of daily life.
Mr. Wall commented to members that public television provides the opportunity for civic engagement. He then asked members where the connections are between what he has shared with the Commission about public television and the members’ role with AARP. Mr. Wall stated how public broadcasting for many years had represented itself before Congress and state legislatures. Public broadcasting used to be reluctant about sharing evidence of its accomplishments across the county through its public broadcasting programming. Mr. Wall stated that after a time, public broadcasting changed and realized that the broadcasters were obligated to their viewers and members and needed a positive and engaged action plan to assure that the real message of public service was shared nationally.
Mr. Wall stressed the need for citizens to become better advocates. He added that elected officials and community leaders expect to hear from citizens in order to determine what is important. He reminded members that if citizens do not say what is on their mind then it is their loss.
Mr. Wall provided members with some statistics from the most recent Roper Poll comparing public service institutions. One thousand Americans were asked questions relating to trust and the value of services. He informed members that for many of the questions, public television tied with military defense for the number one response. Mr. Wall stressed to members that KET is and always will be about Kentucky and civic and community engagement.
Mr. Wall showed members a third video clip that highlighted the great aspects of Kentucky. He stated that at the end of the day, KET is an asset of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He added that KET is the only communications service that links all of Kentucky’s communities. Mr. Wall thanked Chairman True again for the invitation to speak and the members of the Commission for being active citizens.
Chairman True thanked Mr. Wall for his dedication to Kentucky and his public television service that has spanned the nation. Chairman True concluded the dinner session with the announcement that the Nominating Committee would meet at 8:00 a.m. the next morning, and that the subcommittees would convene at 8:30 a.m.
Following the conclusion of the subcommittee meetings on Friday, May 11, 2007, Chairman True convened the closing general session at 10:15 a.m.
Chairman True introduced each of the subcommittee spokesmen who, in turn, presented their subcommittee’s report for adoption by the full membership. The Commission adopted the following subcommittee reports.
Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs
(Reported by Bill Harned, Subcommittee Chair)
The Consumer Affairs Subcommittee on Thursday afternoon held a discussion with Kevin Winstead, Assistant Attorney General, from the Consumer Protection Division. Mr. Winstead gave an update on identity theft legislation filed in the 2007 Regular Session of the General Assembly. He stated that it is the intent of the Consumer Protection Division to have House Bill 7 reintroduced in the 2008 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. During the discussion, Mr. Winstead provided statistical information that approximately 24 percent of victims of identity theft are age 50 and older. Mr. Winstead also stated that approximately 53 percent of identity theft crimes are committed by persons that the victim knows.
The Subcommittee also heard from Mr. Glenn Jennings, Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services and a member of the board for the “e-Health Network”. Commissioner Jennings gave an update on health care cost containment initiatives undertaken as part of KYHealth Choices, the new name for Kentucky’s Medicaid program, and the e-Health Network. He also outlined some of the initiatives the state is taking to lower or sustain health care costs through Medicaid Services, such as encouraging patients to see their family physician for minor medical problems instead of seeking treatment in the emergency room. The commissioner also stressed the need for disease and case management, which will help patients to remain healthy as well as help to cut costs.
On Friday morning, the Subcommittee met and had an open discussion on increasing the funding of the AAAs and Senior Citizen Centers by 20 percent. After discussing the issues addressed throughout the meeting the Subcommittee recommends that the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens adopt the following recommendation:
The Kentucky General Assembly should increase state funding by at least 20 percent for each year of the 2008-2010 biennium for the Area Agencies on Aging to support senior programs and by joint resolution endorse as a goal an equal or greater increase for each year of the 2010-2012 biennium.
Mr. Harned moved that the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens adopt the above recommendation as the primary recommendation for the Commission. The motion to adopt the recommendation was seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Chairman True announced that the funding recommendation would be the priority recommendation of the Commission and, in July, correspondence would be sent to the membership addressing recommended procedures members could take to help ensure that the recommendation is enacted by the 2008 Regular Session of the General Assembly. Chairman True recommended that members invite legislators to the AAA directors’ meetings. He added that members might want to stay up-to-date on prefiled legislation and start working on getting meetings with legislators to discuss the funding recommendation. Chairman True stated that he would be requesting a meeting with legislative leadership requesting support for the additional funding recommendation.
Chairman True informed members that staff had purchased two cards for Mr. Dutton. If anyone wished to sign the cards they would be at the registration desk. Chairman True announced that he would like to invite Mr. Dutton to the November meeting and present him with a present that would reflect the gratitude that Commission members have towards Mr. Dutton. Chairman True asked members that if they would be able to donate one dollar towards the gift, it would be appreciated, and that he would purchase the gift before the November meeting. Chairman True asked for a motion to have a resolution drafted commending Mr. Dutton’s service to the Commission. A motion was made, by Mr. Frank Hatfield, and seconded, and passed on a voice vote. Chairman True asked Ms. Fordham to draft the resolution on behalf of the Commission and to forward it to Mr. Dutton.
Chairman True recognized Mr. Harned for completion of the Consumer Affairs Subcommittee report. Mr. Harned announced that in addition to the general recommendation for increased funding, the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendation:
1) That the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly enact the comprehensive legislative proposal regarding identity theft (same as 2007 House Bill 7) to be submitted by the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendation was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Insurance Subcommittee
(Reported by Mr. Ed Flanagan, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee received an update from Tracy Bertram, with the Property and Casualty Division of the Office of Insurance, on enforcement of auto insurance requirements and additional legislation from the 2007 Regular Session.
The Subcommittee also heard from Don Shields, with the Seniors Programs Division of the Office of Insurance, who gave an update on Medicare Part D. Mr. Shields stated that approximately 39 million people are now covered by Medicare Part D.
Mr. Flanagan announced that in addition to the general recommendation for increased funding the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) Recommend that the legislature fund the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System and the Kentucky Retirement System retiree health benefit plans at the levels necessary to maintain the fiscal integrity of the systems;
2) That the General Assembly enact legislation:
(a) To require long-term care insurance carriers to submit rate increases to the Attorney General, as well as the Office of Insurance, and to allow intervention by the Attorney General as needed; and,
(b) To require, if a long-term care insurance policy is amended, or a carrier requests a rate increase, that the requested change meet the same requirements as a new policy.
3) That the General Assembly amend the “no-fault” auto insurance statutes to delete the provision that any medical bill submitted shall be deemed reasonable, and substitute a provision that reimbursement shall be equivalent to the workers’ compensation medical reimbursement rates.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services
(Reported by Ernest Taylor, Subcommittee Vice Chair)
The Health and Human Services Subcommittee focused on the following three areas during its Thursday meeting:
1) Mental health care needs of seniors, which was discussed by Debbie Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living, and Phyllis Parker, Cabinet for Health and Family Services;
2) An update on the proposed Golden Alert legislation, which was discussed by Representative Kathy Stein; and,
3) A presentation on dementia training for nursing home staff, which was provided by Ellen Kershaw, of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mr. Taylor announced that in addition to the general recommendation for increased funding, the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) Urge the 2008 General Assembly to pass legislation establishing the Golden Alert System, similar to the Amber Alert system, to alert citizens of Kentucky when a mentally or physically impaired adult age eighteen or older is reported missing from their home, a facility, or the care of another person;
2) Recommend passage of legislation that will limit the use of a cell phone to a hands free device while operating a motor vehicle; and,
3) Support the continued study of dementia training for employees of licensed or certified facilities that provide care to seniors.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Transportation
(Reported by Mr. Norman Pallarito, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Thursday afternoon heard from Representative Tanya Pullin who discussed House Joint Resolution 14. The resolution, which failed passage, directed the Kentucky Trail Authority to study the impacts of, and ways to stop, illegal trespass of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on private and public properties, with particular emphasis on private farmland. The resolution would have mandated that the authority also develop a strategy for promoting responsible ATV recreational usage.
On Friday morning, the Subcommittee heard from Mr. Maxwell Bailey, Director, Division of Emergency Management, Department of Military Affairs, and Dr. William Hacker, Commissioner, Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The two spoke on emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures. The Subcommittee was told that the vision of the Division of Emergency Management is to provide a comprehensive emergency management system to provide protection to the Commonwealth from all hazards that might be posed to life, property, public peace, health, safety, and the environment. Dr. Hacker explained that the Department for Public Health provides infrastructure; administration; laboratory capacity; emergency medical services; regional surge capacity; education and preparedness training; and, disaster response services.
Mr. Pallarito announced that in addition to the general recommendation for increased funding, the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly appropriate sufficient funds to ensure available federal matching funds for use in the state’s public transportation programs;
2) That the General Assembly enact legislation to prohibit the use of hand-held communication devices while operating a motor vehicle; and,
3) Recommend a procedure be developed to register all-terrain vehicles to provide law enforcement and property owners the opportunity to identify ATVs being operated in violation of the law. The registration system should continue to prohibit the use of ATVs on public roadways.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Taxation
(Reported by Ms. Bertha Daniels, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Mr. John Doug Hays, a former Kentucky State Senator and current Deputy Judge Executive for Pike County. Mr. Hays discussed Pike county’s proposed ordinance to clean up dilapidated structures in the county. He stated that the abandoned structures have become public nuisances, detract from the value of surrounding property, and, thus, decrease the amount of property tax available to provide needed services.
Ms. Daniels announced that in addition to the general recommendation for increased funding, the Subcommittee had adopted the following recommendation:
1) The General Assembly enact legislation to provide income tax credits to those who care for the elderly in the elderly person’s home, or in the caregiver’s home.
A motion to adopt the Subcommittee’s recommendation was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Chairman True recognized Ms. Gayle Lawson for some remarks. Ms. Lawson commented on how there is an increase in the number of people becoming senior citizens, the baby boomers. Ms. Lawson suggested having a waiver created for people who live on a low income but would like to work, and are unable to because of the benefits that they currently receive. This waiver would allow people to work in senior citizen centers at a lower minimum wage, but, the waiver would allow them to maintain their current living situations and their increased wages would not be a penalty.
Ms. Lawson also addressed the need for better ATV restrictions. She stated that even with a law restricting ATV usage on public roads, there is still a problem. She suggested requiring registration of each ATV, an ATV license, a driver’s license, registration tags, helmet, and not allowing anyone under the age of eighteen to operate an ATV. Ms. Daniels requested that the Transportation Subcommittee review Ms. Lawson’s suggestions at an upcoming meeting.
Chairman True recognized Ms. Daniels for a comment. Ms. Daniels suggested inviting Mr. Ken Wilson and Ms. Carol Marek to speak at the November 2007 meeting regarding tax levies. Ms. Daniels added that their presentation to the Taxation Subcommittee in November 2006 was extremely informative and might be a good topic for the whole Commission to address.
Chairman True announced that the next semiannual meeting will be held on November 1-2, 2007, and there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.