Arizona Senate Bill SB1655

Arizona 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/22

Caption

Appropriation; housing assistance; elderly

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws concerning elderly housing assistance. By providing ongoing funding, the legislation aims to ensure that resources are consistently available to support housing needs for seniors, alleviating some of the challenges they face in securing affordable living arrangements. The proactive wording within the bill, which indicates the legislature's intent for ongoing funding, underscores a commitment to sustaining support for elderly residents that may have been previously underserved.

Summary

SB1655, also known as the Appropriation for Housing Assistance for the Elderly, introduced by Senator Alston, aims to allocate $7,000,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2022-2023. This funding is designated for the Department of Economic Security, which will distribute the allocated funds to area agencies on aging established under the Older Americans Act of 1965. The primary objective of the bill is to provide housing assistance to individuals aged sixty and above, addressing the specific needs of the elderly population in Arizona.

Contention

While specific points of contention around SB1655 were not documented in the available voting history or discussions, the implications of such appropriations often spark debates among legislators regarding state budget priorities and the balance between addressing immediate social needs and other fiscal responsibilities. Potential concerns may arise concerning the efficacy of the funding distribution process and whether it reaches the most vulnerable populations effectively.