Appointed by Senate President: Michael G. Lenett
Appointed by House Speaker: one vacancy
Appointed by Secretary of Aging: ten vacancies
Ex officio: John M. Colmers, Secretary of Health & Mental Hygiene; Raymond A. Skinner, Secretary of Housing & Community Development; Richard E. Hall, Secretary of Planning; John D. Porcari, Secretary of Transportation.
Contact: Stephanie A. Hull
c/o Office of Secretary, Department of Aging
301 West Preston St., Suite 1007, Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-1107
e-mail: sah@ooa.state.md.us
Final Report to Governor & General Assembly due Jan. 1, 2009.
The Statewide Empowerment Zones for Seniors Commission was authorized October 1, 2007 (Chapter 511, Acts of 2007). The Commission is to recommend a plan to develop an Empowerment Zones for Seniors Program in Maryland. The Program would bring seniors together in retirement communities that provide an array of housing, social, medical and transportation services. The Commission may recommend financial and regulatory incentives for local communities that develop a qualifying Empowerment Zone for Seniors Plan. The Plan must serve the needs of a community of seniors who have chosen to remain in their own homes and communities rather than in institutions. It should provide affordable housing and transportation, and encourage community activities. Such a plan must be developed and implemented jointly by State and local governments, local businesses, and seniors.
Authorization for the Commissions ends on September 30, 2009.