The Alaska Legislature has passed the fiscal year 2026 operating budget with a $2.5 million increase for senior community grants, half a million less than the $3 million increase the House originally proposed. This funding is meant to strengthen critical senior services such as Meals on Wheels, transportation, and caregiver support.
Funding for an additional Assistant Long-Term Care Ombudsman position was included in the budget to address the growing needs of Alaska's aging population. The state has experienced a significant increase in residents aged 60 and over, creating greater demand for oversight services. This additional staff member will help ensure that residents in all 20 Skilled Nursing Facilities and more than assisted living homes across Alaska receive regular visits and advocacy services from the LTC Ombudsman program. The added position allows the office to visit more facilities and provide greater oversight for seniors in long-term care facilities.
You can access the full text and details of the budget on the Alaska State Legislature's website: HB 53 – Operating Budget Bill Page. The final version of the budget reflects flat funding across most programs, the result of significant fiscal constraints
