New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Outraged by Governor Paterson’s Proposal to Cut Meals for Seniors

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz  (D-Bronx) is incensed by Governor Paterson’s outline of proposed State Budget cuts that will sever 20% of the Meals on Wheels Program.  Despite the thousands of seniors who remain on the Meals on Wheels waiting list, the Governor has recommended that even less seniors receive the one meal a day.
 
“The Governor needs a reality check here!  Meals on Wheels provides one healthy meal to needy senior citizens.  To some of these seniors, this is a matter  between  eating  and  not  eating – the difference between life and death,” stated  Senate Aging Committee Chair, Senator Rev. Diaz. “Governor Paterson  has no problem ignoring scams that provide tax free windfalls for private corporations  by allowing tax free “dead peasant insurance” but he can force cuts to deny food to New York senior citizens. Ridiculous!”
 
Senator  Reverend  Ruben  Diaz  has proposed three bills: Senate Bill S2550 which  provides  that issuers of debit and credit cards shall pay sales and user  taxes  directly to the State; Senate Bill 1645 to create the New York State  Prescription  Medication  Cost  Containment Program; and Senate Bill S6209  to  create  the New York State Seniors Trust Fund to purposely raise money to pay for the elimination of waiting lists for home delivered meals.
 
All  three  pieces of legislation would save the State millions of dollars, and  all  three  pieces of legislation were provide to Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch prior to the Executive Office’s proposed reduction plans.