The 2nd meeting of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens was held on Thursday, November 1, 2007, at 1:00 PM, in . Laurel True, Chair, called the meeting to order, and the secretary called the roll.
Present were:
Members: Laurel True, Chair; Leon Boyd, Ruth Bryant, Aaron Cardwell, Peggy Chadwick, Douglas Cole, Bertha Daniels, Sally Davis, Leon Dodge, Joe Doebler, Marsha Dufeck, Rowena Emerson, Finnell Fields, Ed Flanagan, Jane Fugate, Rufus Fugate, Barbara Germain, Margaret Gilland, Gloria Hall, Bill Harned, Frank Hatfield, Bobby Hazen, Don Helton, Faye Hensley, Jim Heth, Eleanor Holbrook, Betty Huff, James Huff, Bobby Humes, Lee King, Ray Kremer, Gayle Lawson, Nancy Linville, Phillip Martin, Pete McNeill, Denver Moore, Jack Niece, Vivian Niece, Elmer Olson, Kenneth Overhults, Jean Phelps, Nancy Purvis, Stanley Ramey, Lillian Rice, Clarence Richardson, Jeane Robertson, LaVerne Ryan, John Schreiber, John Searcy, Clayton Shannon, Berton Sisk, Fred Smith, Martha Smith, Ted 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; Mark Birdwhistell, Secretary, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Senator Julian Carroll; Ron Crouch, Director, Kentucky State Data Center, University of Louisville; Gilmore Dutton; Rosemarie Dutton; Barbara Gordon, Director of Social Services, Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency; Representative Derrick Graham; Representative Jeff Greer; Julie McPeak, Executive Director, Office of Insurance; Don Pendleton, AARP; Senator Joey Pendleton; Eric Peraz, Office of Human Service Transportation Delivery; Marty Pinkston, Kentucky Department of Veterans’ Affairs; Representative Tanya Pullin; Senator Dick Roeding; Representative Carl Rollins; Dr. Graham Rowles, Director, Graduate Center for Gerontology, University of Kentucky; Representative Charlie Siler; Nancy Snow, TARC in Louisville; Jay Thompson, Office of Insurance; Jeremy Thompson, Office of Human Service Transportation Delivery; Representative Tommy Thompson; DJ Wasson, Executive Staff Assistant, Office of Insurance; and Scott Wegenast, AARP.
LRC Staff: Katie Carney, Janice Clark, Rick Devers, Sally Everman, Miriam Fordham, Rhonda Franklin, Jamie Griffin, Linda Hughes, Adanna Hydes, Bud Kraft, Tim Lowry, Sheri Mahan, Sheila Mason, Perry Nutt, Charlotte Quarles, Jim Roberts, Cindy Smith, and Tom Troth.
Chairman True welcomed everyone to the Commission’s second semiannual meeting for 2007. Chairman True then introduced those seated at the head table.
Chairman True introduced the new members appointed to the commission since the May 2007 meeting:
Ms. Sally Davis, nominated by the FIVCO Area Development District; and
Ms. Marsha Dufeck, nominated by the Northern Kentucky Area Development District.
Chairman True informed members that the goal for the Commission’s meeting is to try to equip all of the members to go back home to talk to legislators about the needs of senior citizens. And also to promote our legislative program with the General Assembly. When you leave here I hope you feel comfortable doing that.
Chairman True informed members that a copy of the minutes of the commission’s meeting on May 10-11, 2007, 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 informed members that the Executive Committee, in October, recommended a change to the commission’s bylaws, which had been mailed earlier, was in their folders. He stated that the amendment was to correct the official name of two appointing authorities. He explained that the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, NARFE, now includes active federal employees and they have changed their name to reflect that. He also explained that the American Association of Retired Persons, now officially uses AARP as their name. Chairman True asked for a motion to adopt the amendment to Article III of the commission’s bylaws as presented. A motion was made and seconded, and the amendment was adopted.
Chairman True announced that one member had passed away since the commission’s last meeting, Mrs. Mabel Ballinger. Mrs. Ballinger passed away on July 28, 2007. Chairman True informed members that a resolution in memory of Mrs. Ballinger, which had been mailed earlier, was in their folders, and asked that they review the resolution. Chairman True called for a motion to adopt the resolution. A motion was made and seconded, and the members stood in a moment of silence to adopt the resolution. Chairman True announced that the resolution would be transmitted to the family of Mrs. Ballinger.
Chairman True introduced Ron Crouch, Director, Kentucky State Data Center, University of Louisville to discuss “Policy Challenges for an Aging Population.”
Mr. Crouch informed members that many handouts had been placed at each seat. He added that he would discuss many facts in the handouts, but encourages members to review them in more detail after the meeting.
Mr. Crouch began by stressing that life is not a summary, but that life is detailed and complex. This is one of the reasons he provides handouts, instead of using a PowerPoint presentation. Mr. Crouch stated that the information he will present is not good news, it is not bad news, but it is different news. He added that when people plan for the future they want and compare their plan to the future they receive, then if the two are similar people are in great shape. If those two scenarios are far apart individuals will have some problems. Mr. Crouch informed members that there are some major challenges in this country, which may mean that our goals and dreams are far apart than the reality we are going to face.
Mr. Crouch’s first handout was an article he wrote for museums a number of years ago, Rules for a New Demographic Ballgame. The first paragraph begins, “If you do what you have always done, you’ll be where you’ve always been. Unfortunately, the place you’ve always been may not exist in the future.” Mr. Crouch believes this is for every segment: the aging community, the childcare community, youth community, and business community.
On the third page of the first handout, Mr. Crouch referred members to the section titled, “New Demographic Realities”, which highlights challenges for the world, the United States, and Kentucky. Mr. Crouch clarified that much of his presentation will address the world, the United States, and Kentucky. He added that he would also include data and information on area development districts and counties. He stated that he does not believe you can plan for Kentucky unless you understand what is going on in the United States and you cannot understand the United States unless you understand what is going on in the world.
Mr. Crouch highlighted a section of the first handout which says, “to prepare for a middle-aged population that’s aging, museums will need not only to child-proof exhibits but to ‘senior-enhance’ them.” Mr. Crouch added that this statement is true not only for museums, but also for all public access areas.
Mr. Crouch stated that for the next 10 years Kentucky and the United States will not have a large aging population. However, in about 10 years from now, the people 70 and above will be a result of the baby boomer generation. In 1952, school and public officials were overwhelmed with children starting school. He stressed that planning to stabilize health care costs and retirement to accommodate these citizens in 10 years, needs to start now. We are going to see a large aging growth with the baby boomer population.
Mr. Crouch commented that this state, nation, and world has always been a pyramid shaped population. The pyramid shape consists of more young people at the bottom and thinning out towards the top into the older population. This pyramid is now becoming square. He stressed that this results in some major shifts.
Mr. Crouch informed members that Kentucky’s population 100 years ago was around 2 million. At that time, 809,000 were between the ages of 0-14. Since then Kentucky’s young adult population has grown to 824,000 people. Kentucky’s total population is around 4 million people. Mr. Crouch noted that virtually all growth in the nation and Kentucky is basically 45 and older.
Mr. Crouch informed members that currently the growth under the age of 45 in the United States and Kentucky is minority growth. He added that 80 percent of the growth in the country is minority and the additional 20 percent growth is in the aging population. We need to make sure to support the education and welfare of a minority population. In order to accommodate this type of growth Mr. Crouch stated the need to understand the long-term realities, not the short-term political benefits.
Mr. Crouch informed members that 40 percent of children are born to unwed mothers. This statistic will result in an increase of the number of grandparents helping take care of grandchildren. The overall result will mean less support for aging parents.
Mr. Crouch asked members to review the second handout, The New Future of the World, written for Converge Magazine, which stresses the fact that “it is time we rethink international population trends.” Mr. Crouch pointed out that in the next 43 years the world’s population will grow from 6 billion to 9.4 billion, which is a 56 percent increase. Only 10 percent growth will be under age 25 and 2/3 will be over age 45. There will be more growth in the population over age 80 than under the age of 25. A major concern is that more people will run out of money before running out of life. There may be a need to increase the retirement age.
Mr. Crouch commented that taxes are the price for living in a civilized society. Government may be a necessary good, and not a necessary evil. Most taxes that we pay go right back into the private sector for the commonwealth and the common good of citizens. However, we may need to go to a more progressive tax system to balance out social security. We are going to an economy where the rich keep getting richer.
The third handout Mr. Crouch provided to the members was an article written by David M. Walker, Comptroller General of the United States, titled Keeping America Great. In this article, Mr. Crouch highlighted a few sections focusing on 21st century challenges, deficits the nation is facing, how to transform government, and how to help mitigate risks.
The last five handouts Mr. Crouch reviewed focused on various statistics and raw data that compared Kentucky with other states in numerous fields and also provided statistics by Kentucky counties. One handout focused on trends of the world, the United States, and Kentucky.
Chairman True thanked Mr. Crouch for participating in the commission’s program and providing detailed information. Chairman True reiterated Mr. Crouch’s overall theme that major change is coming.
Chairman True asked subcommittee chairs to consider having an overall priority recommendation from the commission, which would ask for additional funding for Area Agencies on Aging and senior citizen centers. He also asked subcommittees to rank their recommendations placing their individual priority recommendation first. Chairman True asked members if they would designate at least one person from each subcommittee to speak to their area legislators regarding the subcommittees’ recommendations.
Chairman True recognized Ms. Sheila Mason for some announcements. Ms. Mason reminded members that the nominating committee report for the 2008-09 commission officers would be presented at the closing general session on Friday morning. Ms. Mason asked members to review the travel guidelines, printed on yellow paper and located behind the travel voucher. She asked for any questions to be directed to Sally and Janice at the registration desk. Ms. Mason announced that the Consumer Affairs and Insurance subcommittees would be meeting jointly on Thursday and Friday and the meeting would be located in Assembly Ballrooms III and IV. She added that the Health and Human Services subcommittee meetings would move to the Seminar Room and that the Taxation and Transportation subcommittees would meet in their regular meeting rooms.
After Ms. Mason’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. Bert Sisk to give the invocation. For the invocation, Mr. Sisk read to the members an article titled, How Do You Live Your Dash? Following the invocation, Chairman True introduced those seated at the head table. After dinner, Chairman True recognized the commission’s Vice-chair, Lillian Rice, to read a resolution honoring a former staff member to the commission.
Vice-chairwoman Rice asked Gilmore Dutton and his wife, Rosemarie, to join her on the stage. Vice-chairwoman Rice read a resolution that staff drafted for the commission to honor Mr. Gilmore Dutton. After the resolution was read, Mr. Dutton gave a few remarks thanking the commission for their tireless hard work and the effort they put forth determining what recommendations subcommittees should adopt at each meeting that would best benefit the state. Mr. Dutton added that it had been a pleasure serving the commission for many years and wished them luck to the many years ahead. Chairman True asked for a motion to adopt the resolution. A motion was made and seconded, and the resolution was adopted. Chairman True invited Mr. Dutton to attend the commission’s May 2008 meeting to receive a plaque that is to be re-done because of a spelling error.
Chairman True recognized Ms. Mason for introduction of the legislative hosts for the evening. Ms. Mason announced that representing the legislature were Representative Tanya Pullin, Senator Joey Pendleton, Senator Julian Carroll, Senator Dick Roeding, Representative Derrick Graham, Representative Carl Rollins, Representative Charlie Siler. Ms. Mason added that Representatives Jeff Greer and Tommy Thompson spoke to the joint meeting of the Consumer Affairs and Insurance subcommittees but were unable to attend the dinner session. Ms. Mason also introduced Tom Troth who is a Deputy Director of the Legislative Research Commission. Chairman True thanked all the legislators for their support of the commission by attending and asked legislators to continue to provide their support by supporting the recommendations the commission would adopt on Friday morning. Chairman True also thanked the legislators for their support in the previous budget of funding for the Area Agencies on Aging and senior citizen centers, but stressed that additional funding is still needed to help alleviate the long waiting lists of people needing to be served.
Chairman True recognized Debbie Anderson, Commissioner of the Department for Aging and Independent Living to introduce the evening’s speaker. Commissioner Anderson thanked the commission for their ongoing support of the department and introduced Dr. Graham Rowles to present the preliminary statewide report on the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative project. Dr. Rowles thanked Chairman True for the invitation to speak to the commission, and he also thanked Commissioner Anderson for her assistance and cooperation with the project.
Dr. Rowles gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI), Preliminary Findings for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This data was recently compiled through a collaboration among the Department for Aging and Independent Living, the 15 area agencies on aging, and the Graduate Center for Gerontology, University of Kentucky. Dr. Rowles explained that KERI’s challenges and opportunities consisted of addressing labor force deficits, developing and paying for appropriate models of long-term care, creating and maintaining environments conducive to an aging population, and redefining the experience of aging. Dr. Rowles announced that the goal of KERI is “to foster statewide awareness, dialogue and insight into the challenges provided by the aging of the ‘Baby Boom’ population (persons born between 1946 and 1964) and stimulate local and statewide initiatives to appropriately address the pending changes that will result from this process.”
Dr. Rowles informed members that the KERI philosophy consists of positive orientation, involvement of all age groups and constituencies, regional sensitivity, participation of elders, involvement of media and communities in a process, and part of a continuous planning process.
Dr. Rowles informed members that the KERI project has completed two phases. The first phase was completed between 2005-2006 and involved data compilation which created fact sheets based on information received from 30 focus groups (two in each area development district) and 15 community forums (one in each area development district). The preliminary and primary finding from this phase was overall a lack of awareness. Dr. Rowles informed members that the second phase consisted of a survey and compiling the results, which are presented in the preliminary statewide report, that was distributed to the commission members. The survey asked questions on awareness, retirement plans and attitudes, finances, employment, housing, health and safety, community involvement, life quality, future directions, and demographic characteristics. In all there were 215 questions posed on the survey. Dr. Rowles stated that 9,600 surveys were mailed to randomly selected households and they received 3,256 completed responses. The preliminary findings of the surveys provided basic descriptive data and were broken down by three age groups.
Dr. Rowles provided members with the results for the individual categories that the survey focused on. At the end of the PowerPoint presentation Dr. Rowles presented a list of the priority future directions the survey results established. Those are:
1) Provide long-term support for persons with disabilities being cared for by an aging parent;
2) Place major emphasis on developing residential options for elders;
3) Increase employment options for elders;
4) Emphasize single point of entry for services or information;
5) Develop programs to develop support for grandparents raising grandchildren; and
6) Rediscover the sense of community and community support that was a traditional component of Kentucky life in the past.
Chairman True thanked Dr. Rowles for his presentation and the dedication he and his staff put into the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative project. Chairman True concluded the dinner session with a few announcements and remarks.
Following the conclusion of the subcommittee meetings on Friday, November 2, 2007, Chairman True convened the closing general session at 10:15 a.m.
Chairman True introduced Commissioner Deborah Anderson with the Department for Aging and Independent Living to provide an update on the department and to answer any questions the commission had.
Commissioner Anderson thanked Chairman True and the commission for inviting her back to speak at the meeting. She informed members of some upcoming changes that the department was going to propose to some regulations and some grants the department would be applying for. The regulation changes included the Personal Care Attendant Program, the Assisted Living Program, and the Adult Day Program.
Commissioner Anderson stated that the department is focusing on the Consumer Directed Option program, the new Money Follows the Persons program, KERI phase three, additional funding for the Kentucky Resource Market program, and funding to decrease the size of waiting lists.
Chairman True asked if the department was supportive of the idea to change the way senior citizen centers looked. Commissioner Anderson responded that many of Kentucky’s senior citizen centers reflected an institutional feel and they should receive a facelift to become more inviting. Some ideas the department has is to help redecorate centers by providing exercise equipment, outdoor sitting areas, a small grocery store, computers, and more diverse learning opportunities. Commissioner Anderson stressed the need for proper funding and comparable salaries for the employees.
Chairman True asked if senior citizen centers could be evaluated and classified. Commission Anderson replied that she could address the idea to the directors of the area agencies on aging and senior citizen centers.
A commission member asked if there was a new administration after the election what would happen to the current and new programs of the department. Commissioner Anderson responded that if Governor Fletcher is reelected that everything would stay the same and if Mr. Beshear was elected that there are many groups that support the department’s programs and it is her understanding that as of right now it is not anticipated for the programs to be deleted or changed too much.
Chairman True asked if there were any residential options for senior citizens through the Kentucky Housing Corporation. Commissioner Anderson provided a definition of an assisted living apartment complex, which includes having something of a “dorm mother”. She added that current assisted living facilities are a little too expensive and the department is looking at a way to duplicate the program. However, there is a concern about the need to dispense medication and the ability to have programs that allow staff to dispense or provide medical attention. Commissioner Anderson also explained the difference between licensed and certified assisted living facilities compared to personal care attendants.
Chairman True asked for an update on the single point of entry program the department has established. Commissioner Anderson responded that every area development district has completed phase one, which established a Kentucky Resource Market. The next phase will be running within six months or so and focuses on qualifications. The third phase is to duplicate the Northern Kentucky pilot resource market across the state. The final phase is to provide the ability to determine eligibility over the internet. However, to accomplish this phase the government computer technology system will need to be changed to allow computers to be able to network with one another statewide.
Chairman True thanked Commissioner Anderson for her time and wished her luck with the department’s current and upcoming projects. He commented the commission is looking forward to continue to receive the department’s assistance.
Chairman True recognized Mr. Pete McNeill for a report from the Nominating Committee for the Commission Chairman and Vice Chairman. Mr. McNeill announced the following members to be nominated for the position of Commission Chairman:
Mr. Bill Harned, and
Mrs. Lillian Rice.
Mr. McNeill announced the following members to be nominated for the position of Commission Vice Chairman:
Ms. Bertha Daniels, and
Mr. Norman Pallarito.
Chairman True asked if members if anyone had additional nominations. There being none, a motion was made and seconded to accept the Nominating Committee report. The report was adopted by the Commission.
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
and
Subcommittee on Insurance
(Reported by Bill Harned and Ed Flanagan, Subcommittee Chairs)
The Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and the Insurance Subcommittee met jointly on Thursday and Friday to hear testimony from Julie McPeak, Executive Director, Office of Insurance; Representative Tommy Thompson; and Representative Jeff Greer. The three addressed marketing of insurance products to senior citizens and the availability of information the Office of Insurance has available to help assist consumers. Ms. McPeak informed members that the Office of Insurance is looking at all marketing concepts in regard to product choice and helping consumers when buying insurance products. She stated that administrative regulations have recently been approved, dealing with a number of concerns that have been expressed. She added that national associations are also doing work to help protect and educate consumers. The Office of Insurance has a toll free number and staff available to answer questions regarding any insurance product sold in Kentucky.
Representative Tommy Thompson stated that disclosure is very important as well as consumer access to information regarding insurance products. Representative Jeff Greer commented that people are living longer and insurance increases also reflect inflation in healthcare. He stressed that consumers should purchase products from someone they know and trust. Both Representatives Thompson and Greer agreed to support legislation to tighten regulations and statutes to help protect and educate consumers. They also agreed to support prefiled legislation sponsored by Representative Brad Montell addressing long-term care insurance.
Ms. McPeak stated that the Office of Insurance does not have a problem with the Attorney General’s Office reviewing the rate filings for long-term care insurance, but she feels that the administrative cost of the review would be reflected in the rates. She stated that the Office of Insurance publishes a buyer’s guide for all lines of insurance and is available at all public libraries. in Kentucky.
Mr. Harned announced that the Consumer Affairs subcommittee adopted the following recommendations:
1) 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;
2) 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;
3) That the General Assembly direct the appropriate state agencies work to establish an “800” phone number to provide consumer education and protection for citizens entering into financial markets; and
4) That the General Assembly appropriate the necessary funding to produce public service announcements detailing the information generated by the “800” phone number relating to consumer education and protection with the financial markets.
Mr. Flanagan announced that the Insurance Subcommittee adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly increase state funding for Area Agencies on Aging to support senior programs by at least 20 percent for each year of the 2008-2010 biennium;
2) That the General Assembly enact legislation to require long-term care insurance carriers to submit rate increases to the Attorney General, as well as the Office of Insurance, to allow intervention by the Attorney General as needed; and
3) That the General Assembly enact 2008 BR 324 to create the “Kentucky Long-Term Care Partnership Insurance Program.”
Chairman True asked Mr. Flanagan if the subcommittees were in agreement with the current language of BR 324. Mr. Flanagan responded that the bill has been prefiled and the subcommittees were in agreement with the language as written and prefiled.
A motion to adopt the Consumer Affairs and Insurance subcommittees’ recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services
(Reported by Jeane Robertson, Subcommittee Chair)
The Health and Human Services subcommittee focused on the following areas during its Thursday meeting:
1) A presentation on the 2008 legislative agenda for services to seniors, provided by Mark Birdwhistell, Secretary, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; and
2) A presentation on veterans issues affecting seniors, provided by Marty Pinkston, Deputy Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ms. Robertson announced that the subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) Urge the 2008 General Assembly to increase funding for senior citizen programs by $15 million over the 2008-2010 biennium;
2) Urge the 2008 General Assembly to pass legislation establishing the Golden 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; and
3) Support the 2008 legislative agenda of the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs in order to:
a. expand the Western Kentucky Veterans Center,
b. construct a fourth state veterans home.
c. establish a conservator program to help incapacitated veterans, and
d. prohibit misrepresentation of veteran status.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Taxation
(Reported by Bertha Daniels, Subcommittee Chair)
The subcommittee heard testimony from Debbie Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living. Commissioner Anderson provided the subcommittee with a presentation on the costs of caring for someone in the nursing home versus the costs of caring for them in the home of some type of home care services provided by home health aides, homemakers, or companions. The average length of stay for a nursing home resident is 892.4 days at an annual cost of $34,453 per resident. The annual cost of home and community based care per person is $4,758.88.
The subcommittee also heard testimony from Perry Nutt, a staff economist with the Legislative Research Commission. Mr. Nutt provided the subcommittee an update on the cigarette tax. He stated that the current cigarette tax is 30 cents per pack and the national average is $1.07 per pack.
Ms. Daniels announced that the subcommittee had adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly increase state funding for Area Agencies on Aging to support senior programs by at least 20 percent for each year of the 2008-2010 biennium and continue to look for additional funding sources;
2) That the General Assembly enact a 2 cent increase in the cigarette tax and earmark the funds for senior services; and
3) That 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 recommendations was made and seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Transportation
(Reported by Jean Phelps, Subcommittee member)
On Thursday afternoon the subcommittee heard testimony from Jeremy Thompson and Eric Peraz from the Office of Human Service Transportation Delivery. The two spoke on services the program offers and some facts relating to the cost and the amount of service provided. Mr. Thompson stated that the Human Service Transportation Delivery Program is committed to identifying and reaching all elderly Kentuckians to offer them safe, accountable, flexible, and efficient services, as well as constantly looking to add additional partners into the coordinated services.
The subcommittee heard from Barbara Gordon, Director of Social Services, Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency. Ms. Gordon stressed that Kentucky’s immediate and future transportation needs were dependent upon Kentucky creating alternatives that maintain transportation for older adults, assures continued access, maintains good or enhanced quality of life, and encourages community-based living.
On Friday morning, the subcommittee heard testimony from Scott Wegenast and Don Pendleton with the AARP office in Louisville. The two spoke on the Driver Safety Program and the We Need to Talk Program AARP offers.
Ms. Phelps announced that the subcommittee adopted the following recommendations:
1) That the General Assembly increase state funding for Area Agencies on Aging to support senior programs by at least 20 percent for each year of the 2008-2010 biennium;
2) That the General Assembly appropriate sufficient funds to ensure available federal matching funds for use in the state’s public transportation programs;
3) That the General Assembly enact legislation to prohibit the use of hand-held communication devices while operating a motor vehicle; and
4) 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.
Chairman True reminded members that if anyone suggested agenda items to be sure to contact their area development district, their subcommittee chairs, or Katie Carney or Sheila Mason with the Legislative Research Commission.
Chairman True directed members’ attention to two documents within their folders. The first was a two page handout written by Chairman True titled Meeting Today’s Needs as We Prepare for Tomorrows and a comprehensive legislative list for the 2007 interim. He asked members to review the two documents and utilize the legislative list when needing to contact legislators.
Chairman True announced that the next semiannual meeting will be held on May 8-9, 2008, and there being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.