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California Senior Legislature Newsletter
  

MEMBER NEWS
September 2013

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Improving the Quality of Life for Aging Californians
CHAIR'S CORNER
By Don MacAllister

Hello, fellow CSL members.

 

Our annual session is drawing near, the proposal package will be sent out later this week.  I hope all of you read the 84 proposals and the proposed by-law changes and will be ready to cast your votes.

 

Your by-laws committee, headed by Senior Assembly Member Herbert Schwartz, has received and reviewed all of your suggestions. You should have received a summary sheet showing their suggestions for the proposals; some of them are policy type items and are shown as such, some are approved for enactment, and others that the committee felt were not appropriate are suggested for defeat.  The committee spent a lot of time reviewing and researching as well as working with a professional parliamentarian who was of great help.  We will have the parliamentarian with us during the by-laws portion of our session. We do by-laws review every two years.

 

I am happy to report that we were able to get a dispensation (forgiveness from making the $250k this year) from the Franchise Tax Board (FTB).  We are still running about $30,000 short, so please keep pushing in your local communities for those who are filing late returns.  We are able to remain on next year's tax check off.  This took many hours working with the FTB , thanks to Clare & Janice for all the hours well spent!

 

Your JRC has been working hard promoting code 402 since November of last year with marketing materials, TV & Radio ads.  Please see detail below:

  • Over 8,600 402 Cards were distributed to members
  • 255 402 Posters were distributed to members
  • Radio Public Service Announcements were distributed to 175 Radio Stations in January
  • Public Service Announcements were distributed in March & April throughout the State
  • 162 Radio Spots were purchased in Target Markets (Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento) in April.

Promoting Code 402 is a year long job for all of us, not just your elected leaders, you need to talk to everyone you know.  We can accept checks to CSL direct or to CFOA/CSL both mailed to the CSL office.  However, it is important to remember even though these donations are tax deductible to the donor they do not count toward our $250,000 minimum requirement , only donations from the California tax form count toward the $250,000 minimum requirement for Code 402.

 

Each of you will help in selecting the new leadership for both the JRC (Joint Rules Committee) and LEG Committee (Legislative).  This year's elections are for the Assembly side, we switch between Assembly and Senate each year.  Leaders chosen from each policy committee will make up your new respective boards of the JRC & LEG Committees.  The Senate side will finish out their second year and the JRC will be elected for 2 years, this way we have continuity.  These Committees will meet at the end of session to choose the new chairs and vice chairs.

 

We just finished the JRC Board meeting reviewing the session.  There is a lot of work that goes into this preparation, thanks to Evelyn Tom, Chair, and Alice Loh, Vice-Chair, for all of their hard work along with our office staff Janice & Kristin.  One important item was the review of our new web site design being done by an outside professional group.  We plan to introduce this to you during the session.

 

We all are very happy with our caucuses; several have been formed this past year and are going strong.  If you do not belong to a caucus please contact the CSL office via email and we will get you in touch with your group.  We now have 6 caucuses so much of California is covered.

 

 

 

Don MacAllister, Chair

Joint Rules Committee

 

CSL Member Activity
Senior Assembly Member Bob Petty Appointed to the California Commission on Aging

 

Gov Jerry Brown appointed Bob Petty (CSL Assembly Member, PSA 32, Monterey)  to the California Commission on Aging on March 29, 2013.

 

The CCoA is
"the principal advisory body to the Governor, State Legislature, and State, Federal and local departments and agencies on issues affecting older individuals." 


In the photo: Bob took the oath of office and was sworn in at the Governor's office on April 24, 2103.  Bob was sworn into office by Lora Connolly, Director of the California Department of Aging.





Senior Assembly Member Petty has been assigned to the Federal Policy Committee of the CCoA.  As Commissioner Bob attended the Mental Health Services Act Community Forum in August.  
 
In September he will be in Sacramento representing the CCoA at the Elder Justice Summit cosponsored by CCoA and the Calif Elder Justice Coalition. 
 
In November he will return to Sacramento to represent the CCoA and participate in the SCAN Foundation Long-term Services and Supports Summit.
 
Congratulations Bob, looks like you will be very busy in the coming months!
Senior Assembly Members Gould and Shontz 
 
On June 24, 2013 Senior Assembly Members Marcia Gould and Richard Shontz gave a presentation at Fountain View senior residence in Reseda, CA. There were 50 residents in attendance, and they asked a number of intelligent questions.  

It was the first time Marcia and Richard had used a Power Point show as part of their presentation.  
 
Great job at finding new ways to promote CSL you two!
Santa Cruz Senior Corner Column
by Senior Assembly Member Chuck Molnar

Senior Corner

August 25, 2013

 

In May of this year Senator Bernie Sanders, a champion of seniors everywhere, along with Senator Boxer of California and 13 other senators introduced Senate bill S. 1028 reauthorizing the Older Americans Act of 1965. Now they desperately need your help getting this bill enacted into law. Part of the legislation reads: "The older Americans Act provides an adequate income and economic security in later life in accordance with the American standard of living. Freedom, independence, economic security, and the free exercise of individual initiative for older individuals in planning and managing their own lives, full participation in the planning and operation of community-based services and programs provided for their benefit, and protection against abuse, neglect, and exploitation and acquiring high-quality services in a manner that is culturally and linguistically responsive to older individuals and family caregivers". 

 

Locally, in Santa Cruz County, the Older Americans Act currently helps provide for such senior services as Lift Line, Senior Citizens Legal Services, Ombudsman Program, Vista Center (visually impaired services), Family Service Agency (senior peer counseling and friendly visitor program), Tax Assistance, Foster Grandparent Program, Companion Program, Family Caregiver Support, HICAP, Home Delivered Meals, Senior Dining Centers, Home Repair, and Volunteer Transportation Program. Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the Nation's population. The authors of Senate bill S. 1028 state that:  "Every day 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65. One in 5 of those individuals age 65 and older survives on an average of $7,500 a year. Federal funding to support older adults and their caregivers has not kept pace with inflation. Only 7 percent of individuals who are food insecure currently get home delivered meals. For every reported incident of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self-neglect, approximately 25 go unreported. By making significant improvements through the Older Americans Act Amendments of May 2013, it is possible to improve the lives of millions of older adults, and ensure that they receive the supports and services that they need to stay healthy and active in their homes and communities". 

 

Senate bill S. 1028 is currently languishing in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. For more information on the Older Americans Act and the members of this committee Google "Status of the Older Americans Act" or contact the Seniors Council at (831) 688-0400.

 

News article from Clayton News Daily:

     BBB Releases List of Scams Against Seniors 

 

For people age 70 and above, often a word is as good as a handshake.

"That's why they're so often the victim of scams," said Dottie Callina, manager of communications at the Better Business Bureau. "They tend to be very trusting of what people say."

Callina said many scammers these days are specifically targeting the senior citizen population.

"The worst is the grandparents scam," she said. "People will call them and say their grandchildren are in need of urgent help. They may not think about it and just send money."

In a recent Elder Fraud Survey done by Investor Protection Trust, one in five seniors fall victim to financial fraud.

"Typically, they are likely to have excellent credit and own their home," the release said.

The BBB and FBI have released a list of scams and fraud schemes seniors should be award of. They are:

Health Care/Insurance Fraud: Scammers may pose as a Medicare representative to get seniors to give them their personal or financial information.

Door to Door Sales/Repairs: Scammers will often go door-to-door offering repair services or equipment sales.

Funeral/Cemetery Fraud: Scammers will attend the funeral service of a stranger to take advantage of the widower or other family member, claiming the deceased had an outstanding debt with them.

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs: Consumers can now refill prescriptions online, but an unauthorized site with the best price may send ineffective or harmful drugs.

Telemarketing Fraud: Telemarketing scams often involve calls and email offers of free prizes, low-cost vitamins or health care products.

Fraudulent "Anti-Aging" Products: Scammer-distributors will suggest bogus homeopathic remedies that do nothing or will use renegade labs to create versions of products which can have health consequences.

Internet Fraud: Pop-up browser windows simulating virus-scanning software will fool victims into downloading a fake program. In some cases a virus will be downloaded allowing scammers to steal personal and financial information.

Grandparent Scheme: Scammers will place a call to a senior posing as their grandchild or a relative in need of help or trapped in a foreign country. They will usually ask for cash to solve the problem and ask for payment through a money wiring service.

Investment Schemes: Because many seniors find themselves planning for retirement and managing their savings, investment schemes have been a successful way for scammers to take advantage of them.

Reverse Mortgage Scams: Scammers like to take advantage of the fact that many seniors own their homes and will send fraudulent letters on behalf of the county's assessor's office offering the homeowner to arrange a reassessment of their property for a fee.

The BBB has issued tips to help protect seniors from being defrauded. They recommend finding a business to trust, be aware of high pressure sales tactics and be wary of an unsolicited correspondence - this can include anything from government agencies, credit card companies and banks. Also, use secure payment methods, never send money via wire transfer and do not share any personal information - this includes social security number, bank account information, birth date or address.

"We try to talk to talk to as many senior citizens as we can to get the word out," Callina said. "We have to do everything we can to protect them."

To report a fraud contact the Better Business Bureau online at www.bbb.org or call 404-766-0875.

 

Yolo Fraud Awareness Fair 10/16/2013

The Yolo County District Attorney's office is getting ready to host the Sacramento - Yolo Fraud Awareness Fair and I am hoping you can help us get the word out about the event this year.  It is an excellent chance for older adults to come learn how to protect themselves from many of the scams that are out there now like "grandma its me" phone calls, contractor scams and Identity theft.

 

I have attached the flyer and hope you can help.  It really is a good event.

Flyer for Fraud Awareness Fair

Thank you,

 

Dave Edwards

Life Insurance & Annuity Fraud Unit

Yolo County District Attorney


CSL Veterans Opening Ceremony Participation

 

We have sent out a correspondence to poll members and see how many are Veterans and how many of our Veterans would be interested in participating in Opening Ceremonies this year?  Please reply to the CSL office by phone or email if you are a Veteran, would like to participate ,and let us know if you still have your uniform, hat or pins.

 

**Since its original post and the email to members that was sent last month we have received many positive responses!

 

or call (916) 552-8056

 



Revised Agenda for 33rd Annual Legislative Session
October 2013

CSL Members:

 

 

Attached is a copy of the Revised Abbreviated Schedule for the session.  Please note that this schedule is still tentative, but we wanted to point out some recent changes.

  

On Monday, session activities will not begin until the afternoon.  We changed the schedule to allow members that are traveling a long distance the opportunity to travel the morning of the event instead of the day prior.  This change should eliminate many of the early arrivals and fees associated with so many members arriving early.  If this change permits you to arrive on Monday morning instead of Sunday, please contact the Hyatt and cancel your Sunday night reservation.  If you are flying and this change allows you to change your flight to Monday morning, please email Kristin at [email protected] with your new flight request and she will revise your itinerary.

  

Also, please note that the CSL will not be providing lunch tickets or hosting a Welcome Dinner Banquet on Monday.  This is another measure to help cut cost.  Members will be "on their own" for lunch and dinner on Monday and may submit a travel expense claim for state allowed Per Diem of up to $12 for lunch and $20 for dinner for actual expenses incurred.

 

The New Members Update and Policy Committee Orientation will be training conducted by teleconference prior to the session. The dates and details for this training will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Please let us know if you have any questions.  We are looking forward to a successful 33rd Annual Session.

 

 

 

Don MacAllister

Chair, Joint Rules Committee

 

California Senior Legislature

1020 N Street; RM513

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

 
Reservation forms for the 33rd Annual Legislative Session were sent to all members in June.  If you have not yet reserved your room you can click here for the Hyatt Reservation Link to book your room, or you can do it over the phone by calling the Hyatt at (888) 421-1442.  Be sure to inform them that you are with the CSL in order for them to add you to our direct billing list and to obtain the state approved rate.

 

Menu options will be sent out to all members later this week.  Please return your menu responses promptly. 
 
 
**If you need business cards or a name badge please send forms to the CSL office ASAP to ensure you receive your order in time for session. 
  


Increase in State Per Diem Rates 

 

As of July 1, 2013, the following rate increases are in effect for all State Agency Employees and CSL Members:

 

Short-Term Lodging Rate Increases:

  • All Counties/Cities located in CA (except as noted below):

Actual lodging expense, supported by a receipt, up to $90 per night, plus tax.

  • Napa, Riverside and Sacramento Counties:

Actual lodging expense, supported by a receipt, up to $95 per night, plus tax.

  • Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura Counties and Edwards AFB, excluding the city of Santa Monica:

Actual lodging expense, supported by a receipt, up to $120 night, plus tax.

  • Alameda, Monterey, San Diego, San Mateo, Santa Clara counties:

Actual lodging expense, supported by a receipt, up to $125 night, plus tax.

  • San Francisco County and City of Santa Monica:

Actual lodging expense, supported by a receipt, up to $150 per night, plus tax.

 

Per Diem Rate Increases for Meals*:

 

Breakfast         $ 8

Lunch               $12     

Dinner             $20

 

*Please note that members may claim only their actual expense for meals.  In the event of an audit, employees must be prepared to furnish receipts substantiating the amount claimed.

 

Incidentals are the same at $6 per 24 hour period.

 

These new rates are effective for travel on or after July 1, 2013.  Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office.

 


CODE 402
Contributions to Code 402 on the California State Income Tax Check-Off are short approx. $32,000 from the $250,000 needed this year.  With the current situation we need each and every CSL member to  continue to promote code 402.  It is especially important to identify and reach individuals that have not yet filed their tax return.     
 
As of the end of August our report total was $218,334
You can view CSL's TV commercial here:
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Current Legislation Status of CSL Proposals

 

CA AB 247

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Wagner (R)

TITLE:

Income Taxes: Voluntary Contribution: Senior Citizens

FISCAL COMMITTEE:

yes

URGENCY CLAUSE:

no

INTRODUCED:

02/06/2013

LAST AMEND:

04/17/2013

DISPOSITION:

To Governor

LOCATION:

To Governor

SUMMARY:

Relates to the Personal Income Tax Law, which allows taxpayers to contribute amounts in excess of their tax liability for the support of the State Fund for Seniors Citizens until the year in which the minimum contribution is not received, or a specified date, whichever comes first. Extends that specified date.

STATUS:

 

09/09/2013

*****To GOVERNOR.

CSL_Member:

J.Levy

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

SP-10

CA AB 477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Chau (D)

TITLE:

Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse: Mandated Reporting

FISCAL COMMITTEE:

yes

URGENCY CLAUSE:

no

INTRODUCED:

02/19/2013

LAST AMEND:

09/03/2013

DISPOSITION:

To Governor

LOCATION:

To enrollment

SUMMARY:

Includes notaries public in the definition of mandated reporters of suspected financial abuse of an elder or dependent adult. Requires a notary public to report known or suspected instance of such abuse. Provides an exception. Prohibits services for elders or dependent adults under certain circumstances. Regards the confidentiality of such report. Authorizes notary claims for attorney's fees. Requires providing related instructional materials to notaries public.

STATUS:

 

09/11/2013

In ASSEMBLY. ASSEMBLY concurred in SENATE amendments. To enrollment.

CSL_Member:

J.Glassmier

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

AP-7

CA AB 663

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Gomez (D)

TITLE:

Care Facilities: Training Requirements

FISCAL COMMITTEE:

yes

URGENCY CLAUSE:

no

INTRODUCED:

02/21/2013

LAST AMEND:

04/29/2013

DISPOSITION:

To Governor

LOCATION:

To Governor

SUMMARY:

Relates to training for residential care facility administrators. Requires administrator and ombudsman training to include cultural competency and sensitivity in issues relating to the underserved aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

STATUS:

 

09/09/2013

Enrolled.

09/09/2013

*****To GOVERNOR.

CSL_Member:

S.Krohn

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

AP-19

CA AB 918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Cooley (D)

TITLE:

Emergency Services: Preparedness

FISCAL COMMITTEE:

yes

URGENCY CLAUSE:

no

INTRODUCED:

02/22/2013

ENACTED:

08/28/2013

DISPOSITION:

Enacted

LOCATION:

Chaptered

CHAPTER:

187

SUMMARY:

Requires the Office of Emergency Services to update the State Emergency Plan to include proposed best practices for local governments and nongovernmental entities to use to mobilize and evacuate people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs during an emergency or natural disaster.

STATUS:

 

08/28/2013

Signed by GOVERNOR.

08/28/2013

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter No. 187 [Effective Rule]

CSL_Member:

E.Bloch

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

AP-2

 

CA SB 129

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Wright (D)

TITLE:

Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program

FISCAL COMMITTEE:

yes

URGENCY CLAUSE:

yes

INTRODUCED:

01/23/2013

ENACTED:

09/23/2013

DISPOSITION:

To Governor

LOCATION:

To Governor

SUMMARY:

Relates to a surcharge uniformly applied to a subscriber's intrastate telephone service charges to allow providers of the equipment and service provided pursuant to the deaf and disabled programs to recover their costs. Extends the imposition of the surcharge. Requires a report to include an evaluation of program modifications that would control program costs of speech-generating devices and remove barriers to participation. Provides for assistance in purchasing specialized telecommunications equipment.

STATUS:

 

09/23/13 

   Signed by GOVERNOR

CSL_Member:

D.Kammerer

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

AP-13

CA SJR 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUTHOR:

Monning (D)

TITLE:

Older Americans Act of 1965 Reauthorization

INTRODUCED:

02/21/2013

ENACTED:

05/20/2013

DISPOSITION:

Adopted

LOCATION:

Chaptered

CHAPTER:

36

SUMMARY:

Memorializes the President and Congress of the United States to enact appropriate legislation reauthorizing the federal Older Americans Act of 1965.

STATUS:

 

05/20/2013

Chaptered by Secretary of State.

05/20/2013

Resolution Chapter No. 36 [Effective Rule]

CSL_Member:

V.Agor

Position:

Sponsor

Proposal_Number:

AFP-1

 

CSL Wishes Janice Bailey Well in Her New Endeavors

 

As many of you are already aware, Janice BaiIey has accepted a position with another state agency and is moving on. Her last day with the CSL will be Friday, October 11, 2013. Janice is an exemplary employee and has been a great asset to the CSL. We will all miss her.

 

We are currently in the process of interviewing candidates to fill her position. Our goal is to have the position filled by the Annual Session.

 

Clare and Janice will be working together to ensure that the new hire is trained in the operations and unique administrative requirements of the CSL. In addition, Kristin Bowling will continue to provide part-time administrative support during this time.

 

I know that you join us in extending the very best wishes to Janice! 

 Joint Rules Committee Meetings

October 28, 2013                              Sacramento

 Joint Rules Committee

 

Don MacAllister, Chair

[email protected]

___________

Legislative Committee

 

Julia Rosenberg, Chair

[email protected]

                                                                   

California Senior Legislature

1020 N Street, Room 513

Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 552-8056 Office

(916) 552-8013 Fax

www.4csl.org

 

Janice Bailey, Operations Manager

[email protected]

 

Kirstin Bowling, Office Technician

[email protected]