House Amendments to Help Seniors Failed April 26, 2004

Rep. Bob Lynn supported amendments to the Senior Care Program HB374 that would have helped seniors but sadly the amendments to help seniors failed to pass

Amendment 1 attempted to fully funded longevity bonus for fiscal year 2005. LYNN VOTED “YES.” Amendment 1 failed: YEAS: 12 (yeas include Rep. Lynn) NAYS: 23 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 4

Amendment 4 attempted to increase maximum drug benefits per year in one situation from $1000 to $1500, and in another situation from $1600 to $2000. LYNN VOTED “YES.” Amendment 4 failed: YEAS: 14 (yeas include Rep. Lynn) NAYS: 22 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 3

Amendment 6 attempted to remove the “marriage penalty,” by treating for purposes of determining eligibility for senior care, each individual applicant shall be treated as if that individual were the only individual in the household. Marriage should be encouraged. I think it’s ridiculous that any married couple should be penalized for being married. LYNN VOTED “YES.” Amendment 6 failed: YEAS: 16 (yeas include Rep. Lynn) NAYS: 17 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 6

Amendment 7 attempted to increase the number of allowable days seniors could be absent from Alaska and still receive benefits from senior care from 30 to 60. LYNN VOTED “YES.” Amendment 7 failed: YEAS: 18 (yeas include Rep. Lynn) NAYS: 19 EXCUSED: 1 ABSENT: 2