HCR59 S H&HR AM #1

Johnson 7909

    The Committee on Health and Human Resources moved to amend the resolution by striking out everything after the title and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

    Whereas, The rate of disability in West Virginia is the highest in the country; and

    Whereas, Almost all older adults and people with disabilities who need assistance with activities of daily living want to remain in their homes and communities; and

    Whereas, Providing services and supports to both people with disabilities and people who are aging in their homes and communities is generally much less expensive than nursing home care; and

    Whereas, The population of older adults and people with disabilities in West Virginia is over 800,000 and is expected to continue to increase and is projected to increase; and

    Whereas, The increasing population of older adults and people with disabilities will demand the availability of more services and supports to enable people to remain in their own homes and communities; and

    Whereas, To successfully address the surging population of older adults and people with disabilities who have significant needs for long-term services and supports, the state must develop methods to encourage and support families to assist their disabled relatives and develop ways to recruit and retain a qualified, responsive in-home care workforce; and

    Whereas, A comprehensive approach to policy in this area is an urgent need, and must be built on effective partnerships and coordinated to achieve the greatest impact from available resources; and

    Whereas, The existing system is over forty years old and cannot be sustained without creative new approaches and solutions to the expanding needs with consideration of limited resources and existing programs; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study of the future needs of people with disabilities; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance shall report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any proposed legislation necessary to effectuate such recommendations; and, be it

       Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.;

    And,

    By striking out the title and substituting therefor a new title, to read as follows:

    House Concurrent Resolution No. 59--Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study eldercare and disability care to better meet the needs of West Virginians of all backgrounds.

Adopted

Rejected