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GCSS 2007 Legislative & Budget Priorities
The highest priority issues and bills for the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services to address the future of Oregon’s services for seniors and people with disabilities include:
Facilitating State, Local and Individual Planning for the Future
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Senate Bill 996 - The Baby Boomer Preparedness Act (bill status)
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Cost: $540,000
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The Governor's Commission on Senior Services is committed that elected officials, communities and individuals begin to plan now for a future with more older adults This bill would allow a rural and an urban area within the state to conduct integrated planning for senior and disability services, and pilot innovative programs that can help meet the future need.
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Ensuring Adequate Treatment and Training for Older Adults’ Mental Health
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Senate Bill 847 - The Geriatric Mental Health Act (bill status)
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Cost: $600,000
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This bill would help Oregon begin to address a critical shortage in the behavioral workforce by developing a training and certification program for mental health workers specializing in geriatric mental health.
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Keeping Elders Safe in Oregon Communities, Free from the Threat of Abuse
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House Bill 3342 - Offering Guardianship/Conservatorship grants to counties (bill status)
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Cost: $2,000,000
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Oregon law has allowed counties to establishe public guardian and conservator programs since the 1970s but to date only two counties have taken advantage of this, due to other funding priorities. This bill would provide incentives for counties to establish these programs through grants of up to $100,000 per county.
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Senate Bill 5525 - Long Term Care Ombudsman Budget (bill status ) |
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The Commission is committed that the Long-Term Care Ombudsman have the necessary staff to invetsigate all complaints with potential merit from long-term care facility residents in a timely and thorough manner. The Commission endorses the Governor's Recommended Budget for this agency.
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Developing Effective Supports for Family Caregivers
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Senate Bill 768 - The Caregiver Assistance & Recognition Act (bill status)
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Cost: $4,000,000
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This bill would provide a credit of up to $500 for an unpaid family caregiver whose household income is below $60,000, to reimburse them for expenses related to family caregiving, training, or respite care for a senior relative. It also creates a formalized Family Caregiver Advisory Board to advise the Department of Human Services on the needs of and policies affecting family caregivers. |
Providing Adequate Funding for Existing Services for Seniors and People with Disabilities
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House Bill 2780 - Investing in Senior Corps programs (bill status) |
Cost: $625,000
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By adding just a few dollars to the foster grandparents, senior companions, and retired and senior volunteer programs, Oregon can retain low-cost public services and also help seniors stay vital and engaged in their communities. |
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House Bill 5031 - DHS Budget (bill status)
- Oregon Project Independence
- AAA Equity
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Cost: $4,000,000
Cost: $2,600,000
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This is the appropriation bill for the entire Department of Human Services, including services to Seniors and People with Disabilities. The Commission is committed to an adequate pool of money to pay for Oregon Project Independence Services and Equity for the Area Agencies on Aging. |
We ask for your support to help ensure a future of real hope and real opportunity for all Oregonians by preparing now for the aging boom that is to come.
For more information about the Governor’s Commission on Senior Services’ 2007 Legislative and Budget Priorities contact:
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