FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 14, 2018
Contact:
Andrea Cianfrani
(212) 398 6565 x.233, acianfrani@liveon-ny.org

Progress Made in FY19 Budget but More Must Be Done to Support Older New Yorkers

LiveOn NY thanks City Council for their commitment to older New Yorkers in this year’s budget. Seniors remain a clear priority of the Council, led by Speaker Corey Johnson, Finance Chair Daniel Dromm, Capital Budget Subcommittee Chair Vanessa Gibson and Aging Committee Chair Margaret Chin, who has remained steadfast in her work to prioritize aging services in the budget.

LiveOn NY recognizes the strides towards equity made by Mayor de Blasio and City Council in this year’s budget, but we remain concerned as to if this fairness truly extends across the lifespan.

“Older New Yorkers have built this city, and continue to do so, through volunteering, civic engagement, caregiving, and community building,” states Allison Nickerson, Executive Director of LiveOn NY. “Despite their role in strengthening this City, we remain concerned that older New Yorkers and the community-based providers working tirelessly to serve this population are being left out of the gains made in this budget. While appreciative of the Administration’s investments in NORCs and Senior Center Enhancements, we are perplexed as to why nonprofit providers will continue to be tasked with serving meals for seniors funded at a rate that is 20% lower than the national average?”

While there is work to be done, we remain confident in the City’s ability to make New York a better place to age. LiveOn NY remains a willing partner of the City to find solutions to the challenges confronting older adults, and looks forward to continuing to work with Department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado and her team. From economic insecurity, to the loneliness epidemic, to inadequate nutrition, New York City can rise to meet the needs of its growing senior population.

“LiveOn NY remains committed to amplifying the voice of older New Yorkers. This year alone seniors sent more than 2,500 letters to elected officials, held dozens of meetings with Council Members, and filled the steps of City Hall to call on the Administration to support these life-sustaining programs in their neighborhoods,” added Andrea Cianfrani, Director of Public Policy at LiveOn NY. “This activism represents only a few examples of how older adults work to move our City forward. As we all age, let us recommit to ensuring that the oldest among us have the tools needed to age with both dignity and respect.”

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