General Assembly’s Response to Assocation’s 2009 Legislative Priorities

Priority: Increase Home and Community Care Block Grant Funding in Order to Help Reduce Waiting Lists

Response: HCCBG Funds were reduced $500,000 for each year of the biennium; however, $1,384,393 was replaced by using Federal Recovery Act funds for senior nutrition services.

Appropriate Additional State Senior Center General Purpose Funding to Support Certified Senior Centers on a Recurring Basis

Response: Although this new funding stream was supported by the NC Study Commission on Aging, it did not receive support from either the House or Senate Appropriations Committees.

Provide $500,000 in Recurring State Funding for Project C.A.R.E. as a Support for Family Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias

Response: $500,000 was appropriated for each year of the biennium on a non-recurring basis, meaning funding is not provided beyond June 30, 2011.

Provide Funds to Pilot Adult Protective Services Reform Needed to Respond to an Increasing Number of Abused, Neglected and Exploited Vulnerable and Elder Adults

Response: This was not funded for the biennium.

Support Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) to Help Counties Plan for the Growth in the Aging Population:

Response: Senate Bill 195 passed directing the UNC Institute on Aging and the NC Division of Aging & Adult Services to take a leadership role in helping North Carolina prepare for increased numbers of older adults, as recommended by the NC Study Commission on Aging. Activities are to include meetings of stakeholders and the establishment of a website. Progress reports are due to the Governor and the Study Commission on Aging on or before March 1, 2010 and November 1, 2010.

Support Funding for the Creation, Continuation & Expansion of Community Resource Connections:

Response: This was not a funding priority for the NC Study Commission on Aging or the General Assembly for this biennum.