Nevada State Funding for Seniors Down, But Not Out After June 1 Adjournment

Despite severe state budget cuts, the Nevada Legislature showed support for a number of measures affecting seniors and families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.

Initially, Governor Jim Gibbons proposed a budget recommending deep cuts to the Division for Aging Services that would have scaled back funding levels by six years. Fortunately, Alzheimer’s Association advocates and the Nevada Senior Corps Association partnered to persuade the Legislature to reverse the recommendations, bringing funding back a mere two years. This allows the Division for Aging Services to maintain programs which would have otherwise been severely reduced. Medicare and Medicaid budgets likewise faced proposed cutbacks, which the Legislature managed to cushion through the application of Federal stimulus money.

Also at risk were funds from the Tobacco Settlement, which are traditionally allocated to help seniors maintain independence in their homes through Independent Living grants. A bill by Lieutenant Governor Brian Krolicki proposed diverting the funds to reduce Nevada’s budget shortfall. Many people living with Alzheimer’s in rural communities would have completely lost the care and services they receive if this became reality. Fortunately, the legislation was withdrawn before its first hearing, and an attempt by Governor Gibbons to reintroduce the concept was never pursued thanks in part to Alzheimer’s Association advocates and the Nevada Senior Corps Association, who rallied to inform legislators and demand that the funds continue to benefit seniors who want to remain independent as long as possible.

Finally, some important changes were made in the way the State approaches senior issues:

• SB434 combined the Office of Disability Services with the Division for Aging Services. This combination provides both groups with an opportunity to collaborate on key issues affecting both populations and makes it possible for younger people living with Alzheimer’s disease to be served.
• AB9 created a standing legislative committee for seniors, veterans and adults with special needs. This is an effort to recognize that all three populations share several common interests. The Alzheimer’s Association will follow the work of this committee in the coming years.
• Several other bills passed related to the regulation of group homes, guardianships and elder abuse. These would safeguard the rights and dignity of all seniors in our State.

The Alzheimer’s Association will continue to keep a close eye on these and other legislative issues as they unfold through the end of the year and beyond.