POLITICAL LANDSCAPE STUDY LEHIGH VALLEY ALLIANCE ON AGING PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE

Diane A. Menio, Executive Director Michael Donio, Policy Consultant Kathy Cubit, Director of Advocacy Initiatives

100 South Broad Street ♦ Suite 1500 ♦ , PA 19110 528 North New Street ♦ 4th Floor ♦ Bethlehem, PA 18018 800-356-3606 www.carie.org

January 2012

Contents

I. Executive Summary

II. Greater Lehigh Valley Regional Landscape: Appendices A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4

III. Political Landscape: Appendices B-1, B-2, B-3

IV. Policy Issues: Appendix C-1

Appendices A-1: Lehigh County Population A-2: Northampton County Population A-3: Medicare Population by County & Type of Insurance A-4: Lehigh & Northampton Medicaid Population by Enrollment B-1: Key House and Senate Committees B-2: Lehigh Valley Senate & House Member Committee Assignments B-3: Lehigh Valley Legislators Contact Information C-1: Policy Committee Issues – Survey Results

Attachments 1. CARIE Handout for Legislators 2. The Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging Fact Sheet for Legislators

I. Executive Summary

The Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE), is focused on supporting the Public Policy Committee of the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging (Alliance) to advocate for the rights and interests of older adults living in the greater Lehigh Valley. While the composition of the Alliance is varied - each stakeholder has its own goals and objectives - there is a shared goal of improving the lives of older adults as set forth in the Mission and Vision of the Alliance.

To this end, CARIE employs its resources to establish a framework for the Alliance to communicate its priority issues and positions to legislative and regulatory bodies at the local and state levels. First and foremost is the identification of key legislative committees and legislators who serve on those committees (Appendix B-2) and facilitating in-office meetings to introduce the Alliance. Given the political landscape of the Lehigh Valley as well as the general political climate of , establishing lines of communication with elected officials is a necessity if the Alliance is to be involved in the public policy process.

CARIE is also interested in the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) because of the comprehensive role these agencies have in providing services for the older adult community. It is the intent of CARIE to be involved in the “State Plan on Aging” process as required of the State Unit on Aging under the Older Americans Act and to ensure that the Alliance has adequate input into this planning process.

Accordingly, CARIE will follow an action plan designed to involve the Public Policy Committee in the policy formation process at the local and state levels. This will be accomplished through the following steps: a. Work with the Public Policy Committee to further refine the top (3) issues on which it wants to concentrate and formulate an action plan; b. Establish working relationships with Lehigh Valley legislators; c. Help communicate the issues and priorities of the Public Policy Committee to Lehigh Valley legislators; d. Monitor legislative calendars of the Pennsylvania House and Senate, especially with regard to the Committees identified in Appendix B-1; e. Monitor regulatory developments that could affect older adults or the provision of services to older adults, and inform the Public Policy Committee of opportunities to submit comments on key proposed regulations. f. Monitor administrative policy of the Department of Aging or Department of Public Welfare regarding policy that could negatively impact older adults, and inform the Public Policy Committee of opportunities to participate in advocacy on administrative issues. g. Reach-out to other community-based organizations that serve the needs of the elderly and make them aware of the interests of the Alliance. h. Engage in the development of the “State Plan on Aging” i. Engage in the state budget process by observing hearings and advocating as needed to respond to potentially detrimental proposals.

On major policy issues, CARIE will work with the Public Policy Committee of the Alliance to formulate positions and recommendations to speak with one voice when addressing not only policymakers, but the public as well. It is essential that the public is made aware of the stakeholders in the Alliance and the work they are doing in the community to the benefit of older adults. Given the size of the older population in the greater Lehigh Valley, it is reasonable to believe that most residents either have an older person in their family or know a family that may require services for an older adult. CARIE continues its work of being a key advocate for the rights and interests of the elderly in the fulfillment of its mission.

II. Greater Lehigh Valley Regional Landscape Pennsylvania is ranked fourth in the nation for the percent of those age 65 years and older and fifth in actual numbers, with nearly two million residents age 65 or older of a total PA population of 12.7 million. This amounts to approximately 15.4 percent of the population according to the US Census Bureau’s, 2010 Census.1 While there is a general tendency to identify all persons 65 years and older as “elderly” in actuality this population is often further subdivided (See Table 1).

According 2010 census data, the population of Pennsylvania 2010 census data2 the Lehigh Valley totals 349,497 residents in Age 65 to 74 979,538 Lehigh County of which 14.8% are age 65 years Age 75 to 84 674,093 and older and 297,735 residents in Northampton Age 85 and older 305,676 County of which 15.7% are age 65 years and Table 1 over.

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), as of July 2010, there were 2,258,365 Medicare beneficiaries (includes Medicare beneficiaries who are

1 “The Older Population: 2010 – 2010 Census Briefs” issued November 2011 by the U.S. Census Bureau. (http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-09.pdf, downloaded January 24, 2012) 2 U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census (http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?src=bkmk – downloaded January 24, 2012) disabled and under age 65) in Pennsylvania.3 The Medicare enrollment in Lehigh and Northampton counties is 60,390 and 53,175 respectively.4

With continued growth of persons 65 and older, the demand for services can only increase. With cutbacks in government funding, more responsibility falls on the community, especially as represented by the stakeholders in the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging.

III. Political Landscape Greater Lehigh Valley is represented in the Pennsylvania General Assembly (House & Senate) by 4 Senate seats and 10 House seats (based on 2010 Census data, there may be some changes to districts as redistricting takes place). The PA General Assembly is composed of 253 members including 203 House seats and 50 Senate seats.

The Republican Party currently controls both the Executive and Legislative branches of government holding a majority of 110 seats in the House and a 30 to 20 margin in the Senate.

a. House and Senate Committees: Please see Appendix B-1 These are the primary House and Senate Committees identified as mostly likely to PA Legislative Committees consider legislation that may impact older HOUSE SENATE Pennsylvanians. (see Table 2) • Aging & Older • Aging & Youth Adults Services b. Lehigh Valley • Appropriations • Appropriations Senator/Representative Committee • Health • Public Health & Assignments: Please see Appendix Welfare B-2 Table 2

Leadership: Senator , (R) Lehigh-Northampton is Majority Whip. In this position, Senator Browne is a key force in moving legislation through the process and garnering support from his caucus. It is imperative that lines of communication be established with Senator Browne.

3 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicare Enrollment – All Beneficiaries as of July 2010” (https://www.cms.gov/MedicareEnRpts/Downloads/Sageall10.pdf - downloaded January 24, 2012) 4 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicare Aged and Disabled by State and County as of July 2010” (https://www.cms.gov/MedicareEnRpts/Downloads/County2010.pdf - downloaded January 24, 2012)

Senator , (R) Lehigh-Northampton, is Vice Chair of the Public Health & Welfare Committee. He may be helpful when legislation relevant to the goals of the Alliance come before this committee.

Lehigh Valley Federal Representation: House: Representative (R-15th) Senate: Senator Bob Casey (D) Senator (R)

Representative Dent is acquainted with the Alliance. Communication and liaison is being established with Senator Casey and Senator Toomey. CARIE has a longstanding relationship with Senator Casey dating back to his years as Auditor General in PA. c. Voting record on issues Since policymakers tend to be generally supportive of issues that impact older adults, voting records have not been analyzed. What is important is to identify area legislators who serve on key committees that will be helpful in addressing legislation favorable to older adults. Establishing lines of communications with these legislators is essential if the Alliance is to have input on public policy issues and have its positions heard.

A recent example of bipartisan support is the “Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Act,” House Bill 210, which passed the PA General Assembly and was signed by Governor Tom Corbett. This legislation passed unanimously and had the support of the entire Lehigh Valley delegation in both the House and Senate. Given the typical absence of bipartisan cooperation, this should be viewed as an opportunity to promote positive legislation.

Key to offering input on legislation is developing lines of communication with elected officials. The Alliance is a non-partisan group with the potential to have its voice heard on public policy issues. Involvement with the committees is an opportunity for the Alliance to raise issues that are important to its stakeholders. The committees offer opportunities for public input allowing the voice of the Alliance to be heard by legislators, and providing a venue to reach the general public through media coverage.

Other areas that will be monitored for possible advocacy include the regulatory arena and administrative policy in that not every issue can be resolved legislatively. Some issues are best addressed through avenues other than legislation. CARIE will play an important role in alerting the Alliance to opportunities to make the groups voice heard.

IV. Policy Issues

A survey of LVAA Policy Committee members was conducted during September and October 2011. Respondents were asked to list the three issues that they believed should be addressed by the committee. Several issues received more than one response. These include: • Transportation • In-home services, family/caretaker support • Elder Abuse • Nutrition, Medication • Adequate funding for programs that benefit seniors including senior centers

Other issues identified concerned data, monitoring home care workers, limiting options/confusion around services, and improving use of automated phone systems by agencies.

Additionally, members were asked to list issues they have worked on in the past year. Some of the issues mentioned above were reported as well as Medicare issues, assisted living regulations, improved elder care and financial health, hospice, and redefining retirement (raw data from survey can be found in Appendix C-1).

As a diversity of organizations is represented on the Committee, there are some issues that cut across organizational interests and these are the ones that will be the focus of LVAA Policy Committee efforts. Issues/Strategies identified are as follows:

a. Transportation, especially for clients requiring special transport, remains a priority concern. A major issue is that while LANTA has responsibility for providing special transportation, a LANTA sub-contractor provides the service. CARIE is a member of a long-range LANTA planning effort designed to improve transportation service to the greater Lehigh Valley. The overall goal of the planning effort is to enhance service and meet the needs of customers. While specialty transportation for people with disabilities and the aging is not a specific aim of the planning, our aim is to make certain that the needs of aging customers are addressed. Buses are being added that make it easier for wheelchair bound individuals as well as those with other assistive devices to use regular bus routes.

b. Caregivers/Care in proper settings: The success of having House Bill 210 pass is an important measure that will help older adults to live in their own homes and support the caregivers that provide so much uncompensated care. The bill amends the PA Family Caregiver Support Act - “further providing for intent, for definitions, for caregiver support program, for reimbursements and for entitlement not created.” CARIE and many others advocated for years to make improvements to this vital program; this is the first update to the program since its inception in 1990. While some advocated for provisions were lost in the final bill, it will go a long way in helping caregivers in Pennsylvania. The bill updates the definitions of a caregiver to be more reflective of current caregivers and compatible with the federal program. This will allow funds allocated from the PA lottery to be spent to help more families. In recent years without this provision available resources were not spent. In the past two years, the Department of Aging under spent the Lottery funds appropriated to this program by over $1 million each year. The changes in the definitions to meet federal requirements will enable the Department of Aging to spend all the funding appropriated to this program. There is a waiting list of about 450 individuals for the federal program who should now be served as a result of this legislation. The bill also gives AAAs some latitude to increase the monthly reimbursement amount up to $500 for hardship cases. c. Dissemination of information on services provided by stakeholders. This issue will be addressed in part by the availability of the 211 service. There will still be the need to keep communications flowing to the public through established venues such as newsletters, community bulletin board services, etc. d. Liaison with Lehigh Valley legislators: All Lehigh Valley legislators are being contacted to establish lines of communications and make them aware of the Alliance and the mission it performs in serving the older adult community. As part of CARIE’s support, meetings and information sessions are being scheduled with Lehigh Valley legislators and/or their staff to keep them informed of Alliance activities and policy concerns. This contact will include offering to provide them with the necessary background information to support the positions and issues enumerated by the Public Policy Committee. Each legislator will receive a flyer advising of the direct advocacy services provided by CARIE to their constituents. (please see Attachment 1) e. State Plan on Aging: Every four years, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is required to develop and submit to the federal Administration on Aging a “State Plan on Aging.” Mandated by both federal and state laws, the plan is required in order for the Commonwealth to receive federal funds under the Older Americans Act. PDA plans to use this process as a way to establish and promote goals and objectives in view of Pennsylvania’s priorities and set an aging and disability agenda for the Commonwealth. CARIE will monitor these activities and keep the Committee informed as to developments and opportunities to participate in the process.

“Pennsylvania 2008-2012 State Plan on Aging” can be found on its website at www.aging.state.pa.us. “Four Year Plan of the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Period of July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2012” an example of an area plan, can be found at: http://www.lehighcounty.org/Portals/0/PDF/HS/Aging/aa_plan.pdf. f. Regulatory developments: CARIE will respond as needed to regulatory developments impacting older adults that require advocacy. CARIE will also alert the Lehigh Valley Alliance on Aging of opportunities to comment on proposed regulations. g. Administrative policy proposals: CARIE will also respond as needed to proposals put forth by the Department of Aging or Department of Public Welfare regarding policy that could negatively impact older adults. CARIE serves on the Long Term Care Subcommittee of the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee and uses its role to address issues as they arise. CARIE will share relevant information with the Alliance. h. Work with statewide coalitions: CARIE is a member of the Senior Support Coalition and Disability Budget Coalition. Both coalitions are statewide and include agencies that advocate on behalf of older adults and/or people with disabilities. Advocacy campaigns from these coalitions will be shared with the Alliance to help broaden efforts. i. Federal issues: While the focus of advocacy is at the state and local levels, certain issues at the federal level may have an impact on the local community so CARIE will maintain liaison with elected officials and advocate as needed on such issues. For example, the reauthorization of “Older Americans Act” in conjunction with plans being formulated at the state level as referenced earlier may benefit from advocacy at the federal level. j. State Budget: Governor Corbett is expected to release his second proposed budget on February 7, 2012. The Governor has pledged not to raise taxes and the state must pass a balanced budget. Cuts are expected. However, it is not known what will be proposed to be cut or to what extent. CARIE will keep the Alliance informed about issues of concern in the upcoming budget debate. Hearings on the FY 2012-2012 State Budget are scheduled in the House and Senate in February and March. Those who are interested can watch the hearings live on PCN TV or online at www.pcntv.com. k. Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Pennsylvania has announced plans to make the amount of food stamps that people receive contingent on the assets they possess - an unexpected move that bucks national trends and places the Commonwealth among a minority of states. Specifically, the Department of Public Welfare is proposing that as of May 1, 2012 people under 60 with more than $5,500 in savings and other assets would no longer be eligible for food stamps. For people over 60 and the disabled, the limit would be $9,000. Primary residences and retirement benefits would be exempt from being counted as assets. If a person owns a car, that vehicle is exempt, but any additional vehicle worth more than $4,650 would be considered a countable asset. l. CLASS PROGRAM: The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act program was suspended in October 2011 by the Obama Administration as not being feasible to implement as defined by the current law. They are not likely to proceed unless amendments can be made that would allow for a financially viable program. Advocates do not want to see CLASS abandoned as it is a significant first step in addressing the financing issues surrounding long term services and supports, e.g. having people impoverish themselves then have Medicaid pay is not ideal for an affordable quality system of care. To learn more about the CLASS Act, please visit: http://www.advanceclass.org/

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A-1: Lehigh County Population

People QuickFacts Lehigh County Pennsylvania Population, 2010 349,497 12,702,379 Population, percent change, 2000 to 2010 12.0% 3.4% Population, 2000 312,090 12,281,054 Persons under 5 years, percent, 2010 6.1% 5.7% Persons under 18 years, percent, 2010 23.7% 22.0% Persons 65 years and over, percent, 2010 14.8% 15.4% Female persons, percent, 2010 51.6% 51.3%

White persons, percent, 2010 (a) 79.1% 81.9% Black persons, percent, 2010 (a) 6.1% 10.8% American Indian and Alaska Native persons, 0.4% 0.2% percent, 2010 (a) Asian persons, percent, 2010 (a) 2.9% 2.7% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander, 0.0% Z percent, 2010 (a) Persons reporting two or more races, percent, 2.9% 1.9% 2010 Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin, percent, 18.8% 5.7% 2010 (b) White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010 71.6% 79.5%

Living in same house 1 year & over, 2005-2009 85.4% 87.2% Foreign born persons, percent, 2005-2009 8.3% 5.2% Language other than English spoken at home, 18.9% 9.4% pct age 5+, 2005-2009 High school graduates, percent of persons age 85.8% 86.9% 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelor's degree or higher, pct of persons age 27.0% 26.0% 25+, 2005-2009 Veterans, 2005-2009 27,865 1,049,923 Mean travel time to work (minutes), workers 23.6 25.4 age 16+, 2005-2009

Housing units, 2010 142,613 5,567,315 Homeownership rate, 2005-2009 70.1% 71.5% Housing units in multi-unit structures, percent, 22.9% 20.3% 2005-2009 Median value of owner-occupied housing units, $195,700 $152,300 2005-2009 Households, 2005-2009 129,889 4,893,127 Persons per household, 2005-2009 2.52 2.46 Per capita money income in past 12 months $27,588 $26,678 (2009 dollars) 2005-2009 Median household income, 2009 $52,680 $49,501 Persons below poverty level, percent, 2009 12.4% 12.5%

Lehigh Geography QuickFacts County Pennsylvania Land area in square miles, 2010 345.17 44,742.70 Persons per square mile, 2010 1,012.5 283.9 FIPS Code 077 42 Metropolitan or Micropolitan Statistical Area Allentown- Bethlehem- Easton, PA-NJ Metro Area

1: Includes data not distributed by county.

(a) Includes persons reporting only one race. (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.

Z: Value greater than zero but less than half unit of measure shown

Source U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits, Consolidated Federal Funds Report Last Revised: Friday, 23-Dec-2011 11:33:56 EST http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42077.html - downloaded January 24, 2012

APPENDIX A-2: Northampton County Population

Northampton People QuickFacts County PA Population, 2010 297,735 12,702,379 Population, percent 11.5% 3.4% change, 2000 to 2010 Population, 2000 267,066 12,281,054 Persons under 5 years, 5.5% 5.7% percent, 2010 Persons under 18 years, 21.9% 22.0% percent, 2010 Persons 65 years and 15.7% 15.4% over, percent, 2010 Female persons, percent, 51.2% 51.3% 2010

White persons, percent, 86.3% 81.9% 2010 (a) Black persons, percent, 5.0% 10.8% 2010 (a) American Indian and 0.2% 0.2% Alaska Native persons, percent, 2010 (a) Asian persons, percent, 2.4% 2.7% 2010 (a) Native Hawaiian and 0.0% Z Other Pacific Islander, percent, 2010 (a) Persons reporting two or 2.2% 1.9% more races, percent, 2010 Persons of Hispanic or 10.5% 5.7% Latino origin, percent, 2010 (b) White persons not 81.0% 79.5% Hispanic, percent, 2010

Living in same house 1 85.5% 87.2% year & over, 2005-2009 Foreign born persons, 5.9% 5.2% percent, 2005-2009 Language other than 11.9% 9.4% English spoken at home, pct age 5+, 2005-2009 High school graduates, 86.6% 86.9% percent of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Bachelor's degree or 25.7% 26.0% higher, pct of persons age 25+, 2005-2009 Veterans, 2005-2009 25,132 1,049,923 Mean travel time to work 27.1 25.4 (minutes), workers age 16+, 2005-2009

Housing units, 2010 120,363 5,567,315 Homeownership rate, 76.4% 71.5% 2005-2009 Housing units in multi-unit 17.0% 20.3% structures, percent, 2005- 2009 Median value of owner- $214,600 $152,300 occupied housing units, 2005-2009 Households, 2005-2009 109,895 4,893,127 Persons per household, 2.55 2.46 2005-2009 Per capita money income $28,171 $26,678 in past 12 months (2009 dollars) 2005-2009 Median household $57,999 $49,501 income, 2009 Persons below poverty 8.5% 12.5% level, percent, 2009

Northampton Geography QuickFacts County Pennsylvania Land area in square miles, 2010 369.67 44,742.70 Persons per square mile, 2010 805.4 283.9 FIPS Code 095 42 Metropolitan or Micropolitan Statistical Area Allentown- Bethlehem- Easton, PA- NJ Metro Area

1: Includes data not distributed by county.

(a) Includes persons reporting only one race. (b) Hispanics may be of any race, so also are included in applicable race categories.

Z: Value greater than zero but less than half unit of measure shown

Source U.S. Census Bureau: State and County QuickFacts. Data derived from Population Estimates, American Community Survey, Census of Population and Housing, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates, State and County Housing Unit Estimates, County Business Patterns, Nonemployer Statistics, Economic Census, Survey of Business Owners, Building Permits, Consolidated Federal Funds Report Last Revised: Friday, 23-Dec-2011 11:33:58 EST http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/42/42095.html - downloaded January 24, 2012

Appendix A-3: Medicare Population by County & Type of Insurance

Hospital and/or Supplemental Medical Total Aged Disabled Lehigh County 60,380 50,600 9,780 Northampton County 53,175 45,414 7,761

Hospital Insurance Total Aged Disabled Lehigh County 60,286 50,507 9,779 Northampton County 53,130 45,369 7,761

Supplemental Medical Insurance Total Aged Disabled Lehigh County 56,390 47,774 8,616 Northampton County 49,668 42,888 6,780

Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, “Medicare Aged and Disabled by State and County as of July 2010” https://www.cms.gov/MedicareEnRpts/Downloads/County2010.pdf - downloaded January 24, 2012

Appendix A-4: Lehigh & Northampton Medicaid Population by Enrollment

Lehigh County

2008 County Population: 339,989 2007 Percent Below Federal Poverty Level: 9.1% 1999 Per Capita Income: $21,897 2007 Median Household Income: $51,725 2007 Percent 65 Years and Older: 15.1% 2008 Percent SSI Recipients: 2.5% July 2009 Percent Enrolled in Medicaid: 6.6% 2008 Percent Elderly Enrolled in Medicaid: 7.1% 2008 Number Disabled Enrolled in Medicaid: 14,263 2008 Number Chronically Ill Enrolled in Medicaid: 2,395

Northampton County

2008 County Population: 294,787 2007 Percent Below Federal Poverty Level: 7.9% 1999 Per Capita Income: $21,399 2007 Median Household Income: $57,975 2007 Percent 65 Years and Older: 14.5% 2008 Percent SSI Recipients: 1.7% July 2009 Percent Enrolled in Medicaid: 12.0% 2008 Percent Elderly Enrolled in Medicaid: 6.0% 2008 Number Disabled Enrolled in Medicaid: 1,800 2008 Number Chronically Ill Enrolled in Medicaid: 1,497

Source: Pennsylvania Medicaid Policy Center, County Data (Lehigh County at http://www.pamedicaid.pitt.edu/counties/countyinfo.aspx?id=39 and Northampton County at http://www.pamedicaid.pitt.edu/counties/countyinfo.aspx?id=48 - both downloaded on January 24, 2012)

Appendix B-1: Key House and Senate Committees (LV Members indicated in bold.)

HOUSE COMMITTEES:

Aging and Older Adult Services

Majority Chair: Subcommittee Chair on Care and Services: Katharine M.Watson Subcommittee Chair on Programs and Benefits: Mauree Gingrich Secretary:

Members Nicholas A Miccarelli Mark M. Gillen Marguerite Quinn Joseph T. Hackett Todd Stephens Fred Keller Rose Marie Swanger Jim Marshall Randy Vulakovich

Minority Chair: Lawrence H. Curry Subcommittee Chair on Care and Services: Ken Smith Subcommittee Chair on Programs and Benefits: Secretary: Pamela A. DeLissio

Members Maria P. Donatucci Sid Michaels Kavulich Brandon P. Neuman Jesse White

Appropriations

Majority Chair: William F. Adolph Subcommittee Chair on Criminal Justice: Scott A. Petri Subcommittee Chair on Economic Impact and Infrastructure: Thomas H. Killion Subcommittee Chair on Education: Mario M. Scavello Subcommittee Chair on Fiscal Policy: Gordon Denlinger Subcommittee Chair on Health and Welfare: David R. Millard Secretary: Mauree Gingrich

Members John C. Bear Bernie O'Neill Martin T. Causer Jim Christiana Scott Perry Gary Day Brian L. Ellis Jeffrey P. Pyle Glen R. Grell Thomas J. Quigley T. Mark Mustio Curtis G. Sonney

Minority Chair: Joseph F. Markosek Vice Chair: Michael H. O'Brien Subcommittee Chair on Economic Impact and Infrastructure: Matthew Smith Subcommittee Chair on Education: Steve Samuelson Subcommittee Chair on Fiscal Policy: Subcommittee Chair on Health and Welfare: Cherelle L. Parker Secretary:

Members Matthew D. Bradford Deborah Kula Michelle F. Brownlee Tim Mahoney H. Scott Conklin John P. Sabatina Ronald G. Waters

Health

Majority Chair: Matthew E. Baker Subcommittee Chair on Health Care: Mauree Gingrich Subcommittee Chair on Health Facilities: Gary Day Secretary: Marcy Toepel

Members Ryan P. Aument David M. Maloney Kerry A. Benninghoff Kurt A. Masser Martin T. Causer Nicholas A. Micozzie Scott A. Petri Frank A. Farry John A. Lawrence

Minority Chair: John Myers Subcommittee Chair on Health Care: Mark B. Cohen Subcommittee Chair on Health Facilities: John P. Sabatina Secretary: Vanessa Lowery Brown

Members Kevin J. Boyle Gerald J. Mullery Daniel J. Deasy Ken Smith Pamela A. DeLissio Ronald G. Waters

SENATE COMMITTEES: Aging & Youth Chair: Vice Chair: Jane Clare Orie Minority Chair: LeAnna Washington Ex-Officio: Joseph Scarnati, III

Members Majority Minority , II Judith Schwank David Argall Michael Stack Lisa Baker , Jr.

Appropriations Chair: Vice Chair: Robert Tomlinson Minority Chair: Minority Vice Chair: Ex-Officio: Dominic Pileggi Ex-Officio: Ex-Officio: Joseph Scarnati, III

Members Majority David Argall Michael Waugh Lisa Baker Mary Jo White Minority Stewart Greenleaf John Blake Bob Mensch John Pippy Lawrence Farnese Jr. John Rafferty Jr. Wayne Fontana Lloyd Smucker Patricia Vance John Wozniak John Yudichak

Public Health & Welfare Chair: Patricia Vance Vice Chair: Bob Mensch Minority Chair: Shirley Kitchen Ex-Officio: Joseph Scarnati III

Members Majority Lisa Baker Minority Edwin Erickson Vincent Hughes Kim Ward Richard Kasunic Mary Jo White Judith Schwank

(Members from the Lehigh Valley area in bold.)

Source: Pennsylvania General Assembly website at http://www.legis.state.pa.us. Information downloaded on January 25, 2012 Appendix B-2: Lehigh Valley Senate & House Member Committee Assignments

Name District County Committees

Sen. David Argall-R 29 Berks, Carbon, Aging & Youth; Appropriations; Lehigh, Monroe, Community, Economic & Recreational Northampton, Development; Intergovernmental Operations; Schuylkill Urban Affairs & Housing - Vice Chair

Sen. Lisa Boscola-D 18 Lehigh, Monroe, Appropriations ; Banking & Insurance; Northampton Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure - Minority Chair; Game & Fisheries; Judiciary; Rules & Executive Nominations

Sen. Patrick M. Browne-R 16 Lehigh, Monroe, Banking & Insurance; Education; Finance; Northampton Labor & Industry; Rules & Executive Nominations - Vice Chair

Sen. Bob Mensch-R 24 Bucks, Lehigh, Appropriations ; Communications & Montgomery, Technology; Intergovernmental Operations; Northampton Public Health & Welfare - Vice Chair; Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

Sen. Judith Schwank-D 11 Berks Aging & Youth; Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Minority Chair; Intergovernmental Operations; Local Government; Public Health & Welfare

Rep. Joseph Brennan-D 133 Lehigh, Northampton Children & Youth; Consumer Affairs - Dem. Secretary; Judiciary; Liquor Control - Subcommittee on Marketing, Dem. Chair

Rep. Jim Cox-R 129 Berks Education, Finance, Labor & Industry, State Government, Chair-Subcommittee on Government Operations

Rep. Gary Day-R 187 Berks, Lehigh Aging & Adult Services; Appropriations; Health - Subcommittee on Health Facilities, Chair; Insurance; Professional Licensure; Urban Affairs

Rep. -R 137 Northampton Children & Youth; Education; Game & Fisheries; Human Services

Rep. Robert Freeman-D 136 Northampton Local Government - Democratic Chair

Rep. -R 138 Northampton Game & Fisheries; Gaming Oversight; Human Services - Secretary; State Government

Rep. Julie Harhart-R 183 Lehigh, Northampton Consumer Affairs; Professional Licensure - Chair

Rep. Jennifer Mann-D 132 Lehigh *Democratic Caucus Secretary; Rules

Rep. Steve Samuelson-D 135 Lehigh, Northampton Aging & Older Adult Services; Appropriations - Subcommittee on Education, Democratic Chair; Children & Youth; Committee on Ethics, Democratic Chair; State Government - Subcommittee on Federal-State Relations, Democratic Chair

Rep. Justin Simmons-R 131 Lehigh, Northampton Education; Human Services; Insurance; Urban Affairs - Secretary

Source: Pennsylvania General Assembly website at http://www.legis.state.pa.us. Information downloaded on January 25, 2012

Appendix B-3: Lehigh Valley Legislators Contact Information

Senate

Sen. David G. Argall Sen. Bob Mensch Senate Box 203029 Senate Box 203024 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3024 Room: 16 East Wing Room: 459 Capitol Building (717) 787-2637 (717) 787-3110 FAX: (717) 787-8004 One West Centre Street Mahanoy City, PA 17948 404 Main Street, Suite A (570) 773-0891 Pennsburg, PA 18073 (215) 541-2388 Sen. Lisa M. Boscola FAX: (215) 541-2387 Senate Box 203018 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3018 Sen. Judith L. Schwank Room: 458 Capitol Building Senate Box 203011 (717) 787-4236 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3011 559 Main Street/Suite 270 Room: 352 Main Capitol Bethlehem, PA 18018 (717) 787-8925 (610) 868-8667 FAX: (717) 772-0578

Sen. Patrick M. Browne 1940 North 13th Street/Suite 232 Senate Box 203016 Reading, PA 19604 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3016 (610) 929-2151 Room: 171 Capitol Building FAX: (610) 929-2576 (717) 787-1349

702 Hamilton Street Allentown, PA 18101 (610) 821-8468

House

Rep. Joseph F. Brennan Rep. Joe Emrick 25A East Wing 160B East Wing PO Box 202133 PO Box 202137 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2133 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2137 (717) 772-9902 (717) 260-6159 Fax: (717) 772-2284 5 Mt. Bethel Plaza 7 West Fourth Street Mt. Bethel, PA 18343 Bethlehem, PA 18015 (570) 897-0401 (610) 882-1510 Fax: (570) 897-0140 Fax: (610) 861-2112 134 South Main Street 123 Bridge Street Nazareth, PA 18064 Catasauqua, PA 18032 (610) 746-5090 (610) 266-1470 Fax: (610) 746-5093 Fax: (610) 266-1579 Rep. Robert Freeman Rep. Jim Cox 207 Irvis Office Building 210 Ryan Office Building PO Box 202136 PO Box 202129 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2136 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2129 (717) 783-3815 (717) 772-2435 Fax: (717) 783-2152 Fax: (717) 260-6516 215 Northampton Street 2909 Windmill Road/Suite 7 Easton, PA 18042 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 (610) 253-5543 (610) 670-0139 Fax: (610) 250-2645 Fax: (610) 927-3584 Rep. Marcia M. Hahn Rep. Gary Day 402 A Irvis Office Building 163B East Wing P O Box 202138 PO Box 202187 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2138 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2187 (717) 783-8573 (717) 787-3017 Fax: (717) 783-3899 Fax: (717) 705-1951 354 West Moorestown Road Northwest Centre Suite 302 Nazareth, PA 18064 6299 State Route 309 (610) 746-2100 New Tripoli, PA 18066 Fax: (610) 746-3803 (610) 760-7082 Fax: (610) 760-7085 East Allen Municipal Building 5330 Norbath Blvd Northampton, PA 18067 (610) 502-1567 Fax: (610) 502-1570 Rep. Julie Harhart Rep. Steve Samuelson 313 Main Capitol Building 34 East Wing PO Box 202183 PO Box 202135 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2183 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2135 (717) 772-5398 (717) 705-1881 Fax: (717) 783-7667 Fax: (717) 772-2469

2030 Center Street 104 East Broad Street Northampton, PA 18067 Bethlehem, PA 18018 (610) 502-2701 (610) 867-3890 Fax: (610) 502-2704 Fax: (610) 861-2104

125 S. Walnut St./1st Floor Rep. Justin J. Simmons Slatington, PA 18080 5 East Wing (610) 760-9805 PO Box 202131 Fax: (610) 821-6109 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2131 (717) 783-1673 Rep. Jennifer L. Mann 331 Main Capitol Building 3606 Route 378/ PO Box 202132 Suite A Harrisburg, PA 17120-2132 Bethlehem, PA 18015 (717) 705-1869 (610) 861-5201 Fax: (717) 705-2087 Fax: (610) 861-2069

2030 West Tilghman Street/Suite 100 Allentown, PA 18104 (610) 821-5577 Fax: (610) 821-6325

Source: Pennsylvania General Assembly website at http://www.legis.state.pa.us. Information downloaded on January 25, 2012 Appendix C-1: Policy Committee Issues (Survey Responses)

1. What advocacy issues has your organization tried to address in the past year? a) Medicare problems and changes b) Assisted living regulations; electricity rates; home health care c) Improved elder care and financial health d) MetroPlus transportation delays e) Hospice, LTC, career change, redefining retirement, senior health f) Increased services to the elderly and disabled from AAA; better communication g) Elder abuse h) Sufficient funds to serve the needs of the community i) Transpiration and housing

2. What are the top three issues that you believe should be addressed? a) Limit excessive choice of options (eliminate some confusion); Improve utilization of nutrition centers; Improve use of automated phone services by agencies and businesses b) Disaggregate data on aging population; system to monitor home care workers; determine levels of elder abuse c) Transportation; getting food and medication to seniors; safety d) MetroPlus transportation; senior center funding; at home services e) Seniors remaining in the home as long as possible; caretaker issues; family support f) Education of public of services to the elderly and disabled; better transportation ; organizations, individuals and politicians acknowledging correspondence g) Transportation; elder abuse; cohesiveness-working together h) Adequate funding; information and education of consumers as how the outcomes of current and near current elections will impact programs and services for individuals; transportation i) Transportation; housing as well as moving people out of nursing homes