Michael Costa

The meeting agenda includes the review and potential approval of a consent agenda regarding various legislative bills, followed by the individual consideration and consensus-building for a list of specific assembly and senate bills (AB and SB). Additionally, the committee will discuss budget requests totaling $62.3 million for the Older Californians Act, specifically allocating funds for nutrition services, information and assistance navigation, and caregiver support services. The meeting will also feature an update on sponsored bills, including AB 2283 regarding the State Public Guardian.

The joint general meeting included introductions to the CCoA and TACC, explaining that TACC provides 'grass roots' input to the CCoA concerning programs and services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Key staff report items covered notifications for committee service continuation in 2026, updates on CCoA staffing, publicity for the Eldera partnership, the submission of invitations for the Age-Inclusive Management Strategies Cohort Project, and the distribution timeline for the Legislative Communications Toolkit. The California Department of Aging provided an update on the Master Plan on Aging, focusing on system change areas like Navigation, Access, Workforce, and Finance, and announced the launch of the first Aging and Disability Lived Experience Advisory Board initiative. Presentations were also given regarding C4A's goals, advocacy strategies concerning H.R.1's impact on social programs, and the election of officers for CCoA. Key committee reports included the approval of the CCoA Legislative Strategy and updates on sponsored bill proposals for 2026, such as state-licensed gerontologist and a statewide office of public guardian.

Key discussions included reviewing commissioner policy interests across areas such as Workforce Development, Housing and Homelessness, Nutrition, and K-14 Lifespan Curriculum. The committee reviewed and approved proposed CCoA Policy Priorities for 2026, which incorporated Behavioral Health, Workforce Development (including the AIMS cohort and the Workforce Serving Older Adults work group with the CFoA), Emergency Preparedness, and Housing and Homelessness. Commissioner Frank was officially appointed to the Behavioral Health Planning Council. The committee also discussed older adult loneliness and isolation as a cross-cutting consideration. The Legislative Advocacy Committee reported recommendations, including pursuing sponsorship for the Public Guardian Bill Concept and co-sponsorship of the Longterm Care Mutual Aid Bill Concept. A motion was approved to sponsor the Justice in Aging annual fundraising event. Executive Director updates covered the CCoA Operational Budget history, collaborations such as the Eldera pilot, and preparations for the upcoming February General Meeting.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of quorum. Key discussions included welcoming a new Administrative Analyst and discussing open Commissioner positions, noting that several Governor's appointments will open in 2027. The Behavioral Health Committee reported on aligning policy priorities and their work plan, noting that feedback on Proposition 1 will be submitted for input. Regarding proposed CCoA Policy Priorities, alignment with C4A's 2026 priorities (Food, Systems Navigation, Funding the Older Californians' Act) was discussed, with a focus on Workforce (including K-14 curriculum and potential board appointments), Housing and Homelessness (tracking legislation and budget asks for HomeSafe and HDAP), and Nutrition. Staff were tasked with soliciting commissioner interest in these specific categories. The committee approved a proposal for CCoA to present topics for educational webinars to CDA and the CA Collaborative for Long Term Services and Supports, rather than sponsoring them directly. The CCoA Component Fund report showed an ending balance of $35,242.92 after fourth-quarter disbursements. Updates were provided on collaborations, including the Aging and Disability Collaborative timeline and the Eldera Quarterly Report progress. A press release regarding Disaster Response and Recovery was noted, along with preparations for the January 15 event, "Aging & Disability: What Legislators Need to Know for 2026."

The meeting addressed legislative strategy, focusing on incorporating a loop-back mechanism for reporting Commissioners' meetings with legislators and an action recording mechanism. Discussions also covered the appropriate use of the Commission logo in communications, emphasizing its application only to Commission-related activities and the need for a logo use policy. Engagement with gubernatorial candidates on policy priorities was discussed, with plans to coordinate with other organizations and develop a Gubernatorial advocacy guide. Updates were provided on staff recruitment, the Age Inclusive Management Strategies (AIMS) Cohort Project, the Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) Conference, and the May 22 report on disaster response and recovery for older adults and people with disabilities. The meeting also included updates on Eldera and the 2026 Policy Priorities, with staff seeking topics for the 2026 informational hearing.