The 2nd meeting of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens was held on Thursday, November 5, 2009, at 1:00 PM, at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort. Lillian Rice, Chair, called the meeting to order.
Present were:
Members: Lillian Rice, Chair; Frances Baccus, Mary Barlow, Cluster Belcher, Aaron Cardwell, Velma Childers, Douglas Cole, Bertha Daniels, Norieta Dickerson, Joe Doebler, Marsha Dufeck, Carole Dunn, Bob Elliott, Carol Fausz, Ed Flanagan, Jane Fugate, Rufus Fugate, Barbara Germain, Margaret Gilland, Gloria Hall, Helen Hansford, Bill Harned, Edna Hawkins, Bobby Hazen, Don Helton, Faye Hensley, Marty Herbert, Jim Heth, Eleanor Holbrook, Betty Huff, James Huff, Gayle King, Lee King, Ray Kremer, Gina Loxley, Phillip Martin, Denver Moore, Jerry Moser, Henry Mosley, Jack Niece, Vivian Niece, Betty Olson, Elmer Olson, Kenneth Overhults, Norman Pallarito, Joy Payne, Mary Lou Perry, Jean Phelps, Opal Phillips, Nancy Purvis, Clarence Richardson, Jeane Robertson, Ray Roundtree, Clayton Shannon, Dennis Shaw, Martha Shircliffe, Berton Sisk, Fred Smith, Martha Smith, Ted Smith, Paul Steenbergen, Donald Stethen, Pat Sutton, Ernest Taylor, Jim Terrell, Claude Tiller, Mary Trimble, Roger Truitt, Joan Veazey, Joe Wahlen, Lillian Weston, Alban Wheeler, and Lillian Wheeler.
Guests: Ron Crouch, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet; Ben Johnson, US Census Bureau; John Emerson, spouse of deceased member Rowena Emerson; Rebecca Searcy, spouse of deceased member John Searcy; Jane Bellucci, daughter of deceased member John Searcy; Bob Mueller, Vice President, Hosparus Foundation; Debbie Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Trey Grayson, Kentucky Secretary of State; Les Fugate, Assistant Secretary of State; Sarah Ball Johnson, Executive Director, Board of Elections; Bill Harned, Advisory Council on Consumer Affairs, Office of the Attorney General; Johnny Cantrell Consumer Credit Counseling Service; Amy Shir, Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Lending; Robert Owens; Anne L. Harrison, Director of Professional Studies, UK College of Health Sciences; Bill Nold, Director of Health Division, Office of Insurance; D.J. Wasson, Legislative Liaison, Office of Insurance; Davey King, Kentucky Housing Corporation; Kerry L. Conley, Department for Medicaid Services; Gail Mayeux, Office of Transportation Delivery; John Dudinskie, Kentucky Office of Highway Safety; Barbara Gordon, KIPDA Area Development District; Alisha Johnson, Barren River ADD; Jill Collins; Vivian Craig; and Representative Jeff Greer.
LRC Staff: Sheila Mason, Kenny Bishop, Katie Carney, Adanna Hydes, Miriam Fordham, Rhonda Franklin, Emily Bottoms, Eric Kennedy, Charlotte Quarles, Brandon White, Betsy Bailey, Cindy Smith, Jonathan Scott, Jamie Griffin, Sheri Mahan, Linda Hughes, Janice Clark, Sally Everman, Rick Devers, Karen Lile, and Richard Rigney.
Chairwoman Rice welcomed everyone to the Advisory Commission’s second semiannual meeting for 2009 and introduced the head table. Chairwoman Rice informed members that the minutes from the Advisory Commission’s May 7-8, 2009, meeting had been mailed earlier and were in their folders. She asked for any proposed additions or deletions. Chairwoman Rice asked for a motion to adopt the minutes as presented. A motion was made and seconded, and the minutes were adopted. Chairwoman Rice informed members that the minutes from the September 30, 2009, Executive Committee meeting were in their folders for informational purposes.
Chairwoman Rice informed the members of the passing of Commission members Rowena Emerson and John Searcy, and asked the members to review resolutions honoring Ms. Emerson and Mr. Searcy for their public service and accomplishments. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the resolutions, and the motion was passed. Chairwoman Rice informed the Advisory Commission that members of both Ms. Emerson’s and Mr. Searcy’s family have been invited to attend the evening dinner session to accept the resolutions honoring their loved ones.
Chairwoman Rice informed members of the passing of two former members of the Advisory Commission, Peggy Chadwick of Lexington and Joe Bishop of Springfield. Chairwoman Rice informed the members that Commission member Rebecca Baird has resigned the Commission due to health problems.
Chairwoman Rice advised that two new members have been appointed to the Advisory Commission since the May 2009 meeting. They are Ralph Souleyret, a Cumberland Valley Area Development District appointee from Harlan, and Roger Truitt a Purchase Area Development District appointee from Paducah.
Chairwoman Rice introduced Ron Crouch, Director of Research and Statistics, Office of Employment and Training, Education and Workforce Development Cabinet to discuss shifts in population growth and decline, and demographic trends in Kentucky and across the United States. Mr. Crouch also discussed the effects of those trends on the economy, transportation, housing, health care, education, public safety and government.
Chairwoman Rice introduced Ben Johnson of the US Census Bureau to explain the benefits, importance and processes of gathering information for the 2010 census. Mr. Johnson also discussed how that information is used to affect decisions relating to each person’s welfare.
Chairwoman Rice introduced Debbie Anderson, Commissioner, Department for Aging and Independent Living, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, to bring a brief greeting and update from the department. Commissioner Anderson advised that the Department for Aging and Independent Living was spared from the last round of budget cuts, but still faces a large deficit and potential future budget cuts. She also informed members that requests for assistance and reports of elder abuse are up across Kentucky.
Chairwoman Rice made a few concluding remarks and announcements, then adjourned the opening general session to allow the Advisory Commission subcommittees to convene.
Chairwoman Rice convened the dinner session by welcoming everyone and introducing those seated at the head table. Chairwoman Rice recognized Fred Smith to give the invocation.
After dinner, Chairwoman Rice recognized Ms. Mason for introduction of the legislative hosts for the evening. Ms. Mason recognized Senator Tom Buford; Senator Julian Carroll; Representative Derrick Graham, and Representative Fred Nesler.
Chairwoman Rice recognized John Emerson, spouse of deceased Advisory Commission member Rowena Emerson, and Rebecca Searcy and Jane Bellucci, spouse and daughter of deceased Advisory Commission member John Searcy. Both families were presented with resolutions honoring the service of the deceased members. Mr. Emerson and Mrs. Searcy each shared a few words of remembrance and thanks.
Vice Chairman Norman Pallarito introduced Bob Mueller, Vice President, Hosparus Foundation, as the guest speaker for the evening. Mr. Mueller titled his presentation after his published article, “Fifteen Ways to Get the Most Out of Life.”
Chairwoman Rice thanked Mr. Mueller for his remarks and adjourned the dinner session with a few remarks and announcements.
Following the conclusion of the subcommittee meetings on Friday, November 6, 2009, Chairwoman Rice convened the closing general session at 10:30 a.m. Chairwoman Rice welcomed members and guests and introduced those seated at the head table. She then introduced Deputy Commissioner Bill Cooper to provide an update on the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Department for Aging and Independent Living.
Mr. Cooper thanked the Advisory Commission for the opportunity to speak and updated the Commission on the Department’s programs, activities and challenges as requests for services continue to increase. He also encouraged members to be informed and involved by communicating with their local and state officials. After his presentation, Mr. Cooper received questions and comments from Advisory Commission members. Chairwoman Rice thanked Mr. Cooper for his remarks.
Chairwoman Rice recognized Douglas Cole to report on the Nominating Committee’s actions. Mr. Cole reported that the Nominating Committee had nominated Norman Pallarito and Douglas Cole as candidates for chair of the Special Advisory Commission of Senior Citizens. Mr. Cole also reported that the Nominating Committee had nominated Barbara Germain, Bertha Daniels and Bill Harned as candidates for vice chair. The floor was opened for additional nominations. None were made.
A motion to adopt the Nominating Committee’s report was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote. Mr. Cole then withdrew his name from nomination.
Chairwoman Rice introduced each of the subcommittee Chairs to present their subcommittee’s report for adoption by the full membership. The Advisory Commission adopted the following subcommittee reports.
Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs
(Reported by Claude Tiller, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs adopted the following recommendations:
(1) Urge the 2010 Kentucky General Assembly to provide adequate funding in the 2010-2012 biennial budgets to restore the budget cuts in the 2008, 2009, and 2010 fiscal years; and in addition increase the appropriations to AAA by at least 10% per year in the 2010-2012 biennial budgets.
(2) Urge the 2010 Kentucky General Assembly to direct the establishment of an early voting option for eligible voters.
(3) Urge the Kentucky General Assembly to enhance consumer protection measures in the current “pay day lending” statutes KRS Chapter 286 to include the following provisions:
· Limit interest on short-term loans to 36 annual percentage rate;
· Substitute the term “short-term” loan for deferred deposit transactions;
· Limit borrowers to one short-term loan at a time, up to $500;
· Extend the minimum term of a short-term loan to 30 days;
· Limit borrowers to one short-term loan every 90 days;
· Prohibit licensees from making short-term loans by telephone, mail, or internet; and prohibit licensees from accessing borrowers banking accounts electronically;
· Provide for enforcement by the Office of Financial Institutions or Attorney General, and allow borrowers to take legal action if loans violate the statute.
(4) Urge the Kentucky General Assembly to amend KRS-380 addressing practices of debt adjusters. Modifications recommended for inclusion are
· Prohibit up-front fees,
· Written contracts,
· Consumer Disclosures/right to cancel,
· Clear enforcement authority for OAG and
· Privacy protections.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s report and recommendations was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Health and Human Services
(Reported by Ms. Edna Hawkins, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Health and Human Services adopted the following recommendations:
(1) With the understanding that there are 20,600 seniors on waiting lists for services, urge the 2010 General Assembly to maintain current funding for the Department for Aging and Independent Living to provide services to seniors and continue to look for additional revenue sources.
(2) Urge support of the Area Agencies on Aging and Independent Living in the statewide implementation of a universal plan of care for the delivery of services.
(3) In light of the 43,195 adult abuse cases reported in 2008 and the unreported cases, urge the 2010 General Assembly to support legislation to establish an adult abuse registry.
(4) Urge support of the Department for Aging and Independent Living to emphasize cost sharing when appropriate for Title III programs to increase services to seniors and decrease waiting lists.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s report and recommendations was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Insurance
(Reported by Barbara Germain, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Insurance adopted the following recommendations:
(1) Urge the General Assembly to provide continuation funding at the current level for Area Agencies on Aging to support Senior Programs due to the current economic climate, but urge the General Assembly to increase much needed funding to at least 5% when the economy improves.
(2) 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.
(3) Urge the General Assembly to continue to address the state employee and other state supported retirement system funding including insurance benefits.
(4) Urge the General Assembly to address necessary assistance for seniors when enrolling in Medicare Part D, appropriating federal funds including stimulus money for technology to the Senior Centers for access to Medicare.gov and staffing to assist seniors in selecting a prescription plan.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s report and recommendations was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Taxation
(Reported by James Huff, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Taxation adopted the following recommendations:
(1) That the General Assembly enacts legislation to provide tax credits to an individual caregiver who cares for a chronically ill person in that person’s home, or in the caregiver’s home.
(2) That if the General Assembly imposes a sales tax on services or increases the general sales and use tax rate, a percentage of the increased tax receipts be earmarked for senior services.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s report and recommendations was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Subcommittee on Transportation
(Reported by Fred Smith, Subcommittee Chair)
The Subcommittee on Transportation adopted the following recommendations:
(1) Prohibit the use of hand-held communication devices with the exclusion of emergency personnel.
(2) Recommend that the General Assembly appropriate sufficient funds to ensure available federal matching funds for use in the state’s public transportation programs, state funding for Area Agencies on Aging support Senior Programs, and for Area Agencies on Aging that support Senior Programs.
A motion to adopt the subcommittee’s report and recommendations was made, seconded, and passed on a voice vote.
Chairwoman Rice thanked all for taking the time to attend the November meeting. She announced that the next semiannual meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 13-14, 2010. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.