Juneau -- The Alaska Legislature has given its approval to establishing the nine-member Long-Term Care Task Force of 1999 to consider long-term care options in this state.

"I'm pleased that the work of the Long-Term Care Task Force will continue," said Senator Gary Wilken, (R-Fairbanks), Co-Chair of the task force. "The task force is a bi-partisan effort to look at the needs of Alaskans who require long-term care."

Senate Concurrent Resolution 8 establishes the 1999 task force to provide a focal point for continuing discussion and action concerning the needs of Alaskans for equitable and affordable long-term care options. This new task force will provide leadership and guidance to ensure careful consideration of recommendations from the l998 Long-Term Care Task Force.

"The work of the 1998 task force was only one of many steps to be taken in meeting the ultimate goal of developing a suitable and equitable plan for providing access to long-term care for all Alaskans," said Wilken. "Additional work needs to be done, including further analysis of current long-term care options and exploration of new options."

The creation of a new Long-Term Care Task Force will provide an opportunity for a formally recognized group of legislators, state officials, and interested public members to continue reviewing and monitoring long-term care in Alaska.

| Top | Senator Wilken's Page |