Critical Senior Services Funding Maintained in Budget

With 90% of Alaska’s senior centers experiencing severe funding gaps and Senior Community Grant funding vetoed in two of the last three years, securing a budget increase for these vital non-Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services emerged as a top legislative priority this session.

AARP is deeply appreciative that Senior Community Grants received one of the few funding increases in the Legislature’s final budget and remained intact in the version signed by Governor Dunleavy on June 12 during what has been called the most dire budget year yet for our state.

Earlier this year, the Alaska Commission on Aging conducted an informal survey of senior centers, which deliver the majority of non-Medicaid senior services supported by these grants. The findings were concerning: food costs have surged by more than 25%, three-quarters of centers are facing critical staffing shortages, and nearly 90% are grappling with severe funding gaps.

In partnership with the Alaska Commission on Aging and the AGENet senior services provider network, AARP successfully advocated for a $2.5 million increase for senior community-based grants. This funding will help stabilize senior centers and ensure the continued delivery of critical services, including nutritious meals and programs that help older Alaskans remain independent in their homes.

While this funding does not fully resolve the ongoing budget challenges for non-Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, it will prevent further program cuts, reductions, and waitlists, particularly at senior centers.

AARP extends sincere thanks to House leadership, Governor Dunleavy, our advocacy volunteers, e-activists, and our partners at AGENet and the Alaska Commission on Aging for helping make this funding increase a reality.