Juneau -- Thursday, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Bill 204, sponsored by the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee. SB 204 extends the termination date for the Alaska Commission on Aging (ACoA) from June 30, 2000 to June 30, 2004.

The Alaska Commission on Aging was first established in 1981 by Alaska Statute 44.21. The commission is the only Agency in the state that plans, funds and oversees services to seniors statewide. It is authorized to administer state, as well as federal, programs for older Alaskans.

"In September, 1999, the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee stated in their report on ACoA that the expiration date of the commission should be extended," said Senator Mike Miller, chair of the Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee. "It was their opinion that ACoA had demonstrated that there was a public need for the commission."

SB 204 moves to the House for consideration.