Senate Aging Committee Chairmanship, Pothole Hotline, Text Reminders from DMV

I am pleased to be resuming the Chairmanship of the Senate Aging Committee, a post I previously held from 2011-12. This position allows me to take the lead on policy issues that are important to seniors and their families, and as Baby Boomers enter retirement age, aging issues are among the state’s most important.

In 2010, there were approximately 3.7 million New Yorkers over the age of 60. That number is predicted to grow to 4.1 million by 2015 and 5.4 million in 2030—an increase of nearly 32 percent. As a result, aging issues cross many different policy lines and impact all areas of state government including health, housing, property taxes, family and social services, workplace, and transportation. I look forward to leading the Aging Committee as it considers legislation that will affect older New Yorkers.

Pothole Hotline

Sun, rain, sleet, snow, and ice can turn roadways from smooth to dangerously rough. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) can help drivers steer clear of these hazards with its year-round, toll-free hot line at 1-800-POTHOLE (1-800-768-4653) to report potholes on the state's highway systems, including the Thruway. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls will be routed to the appropriate NYSDOT region or Thruway personnel for action.

Low-Rate Home Improvements Loans Available

Home HeadQuarters and CORE Federal Credit Union recently announced a new low-rate home improvement program for Madison County homeowners. The credit union has made an initial pledge of $2.5 million in project capital to support this program, which offers:

• a simple application process with no appraisal
• home improvement loans up to $20,000
• a low fixed interest rate of 3.99% (4.704% APR) for seven years or 4.49% (5.007% APR) for 10 years
• the ability to finance closing costs so homeowners pay nothing out of pocket

Qualifying projects include repairs or improvements to roofs, siding, bathrooms, kitchens, windows, heating and cooling systems, as well as other interior and exterior home improvements. Work on garages and barns, as well as mobile homes and double-wide houses on property owned by the homeowner also qualify for financing. Anyone interested in more information on the program can contact CORE Federal Credit Union's Morrisville office at 315-684-3009 or see the flyer.

Registration or Inspection Due? NYS Will Send a Text

New York motorists can now receive email reminders and text messages from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifying them when their registrations or inspections are due to expire. Drivers can sign up online, by mail when they renew their registration, or at a DMV office.

Later this year, this service will be expanded to also allow drivers to receive email and text reminders when their driver licenses or non-driver IDs are due for renewal. For more information on the nearly 40 online services offered by the DMV, visit the Department's newly redesigned website.