Commission on services to the aging; establishment; appointment, qualifications, and term of members; vacancies; members of commission created by former act; compensation and expenses; chairperson.

(1) A commission on services to the aging is established within the executive office of the governor. The commission shall consist of 15 members appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Commission membership shall reflect the broad geographical balance as well as the distribution of older persons in the state. Members of the commission shall serve the broad interests of the state's aging and older persons. A majority of the members shall be 60 years of age or older, and no more than 8 members shall be from the same political party. The term of each member shall be 3 years. Vacancies on the commission shall be filled by appointment by the governor in a similar manner as members are appointed under this subsection, for the remainder of the unexpired term. (2) Members of the commission created by former Act No. 146 of the Public Acts of 1975 shall continue to serve until the expiration of their terms. (3) A member of the commission shall be entitled to receive per diem compensation and reimbursement of actual and necessary expenses while acting as an official representative of the commission as defined by commission policies and rules. The per diem compensation of the commission and the schedule for reimbursement of expenses shall be established annually by the legislature. (4) The governor shall designate a person from among the members to serve as chairperson of the commission. The chairperson shall serve in that position at the pleasure of the governor.