Senate subcommittee backs continuation of paid family caregiver pilot, asks House to weigh funding

The Senate Appropriations Human Resources Division advanced Senate Bill 2305, a request to continue the paid family caregiver pilot program that pays family members who provide home care to relatives with serious illness or disability. The committee voted to send the bill forward with a due-pass recommendation after hearing sponsor and public testimony and questioning from lawmakers about program costs and implementation.

Senator Kathy Hogan, sponsor of SB2305, told the committee the pilot "provide[d] needed supports to families who have members with serious illness or disability" and asked the panel to consider continued funding. She said a working group reviewed utilization and spending patterns and recommended $9,000,000 to continue services for those already enrolled and for pending or appealed applications: "We would hate to have them win an appeal and then say, 'Sorry, we can't fund your service,' even though we know you need it," Hogan said.

Sarah Acre of the…