(2) Prior to making appointments, the Governor shall request and consider recommendations from the area agencies on aging and other interested senior organizations. The Governor shall designate a member to serve at the pleasure of the Governor as chairperson for a term of two years with such duties as the Governor shall prescribe. The membership of the commission shall be composed of persons broadly representative of major public and private agencies who are experienced in or have demonstrated particular interest in the special needs of elderly persons, including persons who have been active in organizations and advocates on behalf of elderly persons. Additionally, membership shall include persons who are active in advocacy organizations representing the interests of persons with disabilities who are served in programs under the Department of Human Services and consumers of services provided primarily to elderly persons and persons with disabilities under department programs, including low income persons, minorities and persons with disabilities. At least a majority of members shall be 60 years of age or older.

(3) The Governor’s Commission on Senior Services shall advise the Governor and the Director of Human Services on needs of elderly persons, and recommend actions by the Governor, the Department of Human Services, other governmental entities and the private sector, appropriate to meet such needs.

(4) The commission shall have authority to study programs and budgets of all state agencies that affect elderly persons. After such study, the commission shall make recommendations to the Governor and to the agencies involved. Such recommendations shall be designed to provide coordination of programs for elderly persons, to avoid unnecessary duplication in provision of services, and to point out gaps in provision of services. The commission shall also recommend development of a comprehensive plan for delivery of services to elderly persons. In carrying out these tasks, the commission shall coordinate its efforts with other advisory groups within the Department of Human Services to avoid duplication of effort.

(5) The commission shall promote responsible statewide advocacy for elderly persons.

(6) Members of the commission, other than legislators, shall be entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495. [Formerly 184.900; 1983 c.740 §130; 1989 c.224 §79; 1991 c.67 §103; 2001 c.900 §82; 2007 c.70 §175]