I am writing in support of House Bill 96, which recently passed unanimously in the Legislature. It makes some long overdue improvements to Alaska’s Pioneer Homes.
It updates the levels of care which helps some residents who need higher levels of care; it allows residents to retain $300 per month for living expenses so that they can afford other much-needed items beyond room and board; and it keeps the rate adjustments at the most recent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment to ensure that any rate increases do not outstrip residents’ income.
This bill ensures financial security for the residents and fiscal certainty for the budget department as they forecast budgetary needs.
These folks are our elders and they deserve security in these homes. No one should have to explore other housing options because they can no longer afford to live where they are.
They are our living history books and we need to learn about them and the Alaska they have lived in so that we can pass this precious information on to the next generation of Alaskans. I call on our governor to sign and pass HB 96 so that these pioneers can live in peace. I ask that you pass this on and call on Gov. Mike Dunleavy to do the right thing.
— Susan A. Valenti
Anchorage
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