House votes to keep Pioneer Homes affordable

By a vote of 35-4, the Alaska House of Representatives elected on Friday, May 10 to keep Pioneer Homes affordable by limiting future cost increases to match inflation.

“Elders deserve our support as they age,” said Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, who sponsored HB 96. “They should not face the unnecessary stress of massive, unexpected rate increases. Instead, as this bill establishes, any changes to rates or services should be made on a regular and methodological basis.

“Pioneer Homes enable the elders who built our state to live out their later years in Alaska and to maintain dignity,” said Rep. Laddie Shaw, R-Anchorage, a co-sponsor of the bill.

Since 1913, Pioneer Homes have represented a unique approach to elder care, and is considered an important factor in allowing residents of all demographics to age in place in their home state.

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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