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Division 3 retains HB704 seeking increased respite and volunteer elder‑care funding
Summary
Finance – Division 3 retained HB704 to review during HB2 deliberations proposals to increase support for family caregivers and senior volunteer programs, and to add funding for the Alzheimer's respite grant program after advocates said demand exceeds current resources.
Finance – Division 3 retained HB704 and instructed staff and advocates to continue discussing specific line items during the HB 2 budget process, after testimony described gaps in respite and volunteer supports for older adults and family caregivers.
What the bill would do: proponents said HB704 would (1) expand or protect funding for a small family caregiver respite stipend, (2) support the Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) respite grant program, and (3) sustain senior volunteer programs, including RSVP, Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs that arrange rides, companionship and support services.
Why advocates support it: Senator Tim McHugh and community witnesses described the role of adult day programs and respite in keeping people at home and enabling family members to work. The Alzheimer's Association told the committee the ADRD respite grant fund is level funded at about $302,000 in the governor’s proposal, but the department reported a current wait list (43 people) and only about $18,000 remaining in the fund for the fiscal year. Advocates and volunteer program leaders argued modest increases would help delay entry into more expensive institutional care.
Costs and savings: advocates cited the high cost of nursing‑home care for Medicaid beneficiaries (roughly $70,000 per year on average cited in testimony) and argued that modest grants and volunteer supports are cost‑effective by helping people remain at home longer. Testimony included personal accounts from caregivers and volunteers about the physical and emotional burden of long‑term caregiving and the concrete impact of respite and transportation programs.
Action taken: Division 3 members agreed to retain HB704 and consider specific budget lines and potential cuts as part of their HB2 deliberations. Members asked for follow‑up information on program capacity, utilization and precise savings estimates where possible.
