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Senior service groups ask Legislature for 15% boost to community grants
Summary
Representatives of Alaska senior service organizations asked the finance committee to increase senior community grant funding by 15% in FY26, citing rising costs and a projected funding gap in FY27 when one-time VOCA-related dollars expire.
Juneau — Leaders of Alaska senior-service organizations asked the Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 26 to increase senior community grant funding by 15% in fiscal year 2026 to help stabilize services for older Alaskans.
Mary Ann Mills, president of HNET Alaska Senior Service Association, told the committee that senior community grants support the lowest-cost services in the state’s continuum of care — meals, transportation, adult day services and caregiver respite. Mills cited an Alaska Commission on Aging survey that found senior centers need an average 45% more operating funds to maintain current service levels and asked the legislature to fund one-third of that gap.
Why it matters: Witnesses said stabilizing community-level services prevents more costly institutional care such as hospitalization or nursing homes and helps older Alaskans remain in their communities.
Supporting details: Connor Pope, who runs an adult day service in Ketchikan, said rising food costs and other expenses are straining providers who feed members daily. Witnesses said prior increases had been signaled but then rescinded; they warned of a funding “precipice” in FY27 when certain one-time appropriations tied to VOCA shortfalls expire.
Discussion vs. decision: Testimony was advisory; no committee action or vote occurred during the Feb. 26 session.
Ending: The committee will continue budget hearings; senior-service representatives said they will return with additional data if requested.
