Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Applauds State Budget

New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-NY) announced that over $6.2 million in funding restorations and additions for senior programs have been secured in the SFY 2009-2010 budget. These programs assist seniors with important services such as nursing home advocacy and comprehensive adult day services.

"As Chair of the Senate Aging Committee, I am determined to ensure that all of New York’s seniors will receive quality care, day to day, in programs that are funded by New York State and run by local County Offices for the Aging," declared Senator Diaz. "In these difficult economic times, I am especially pleased that State funding was increased for these core services that keep seniors safe and living in their own homes".

Our committee fought hard against the funding cuts proposed by Governor David Paterson, and we were able to restore funding to the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-SNAP ($2 million); Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly-EISEP ($2 million); and Community Services for the Elderly-CSE ($1 million).

Additionally, the Legislature restored funding to the following programs: Managed Care Consumer Assistance Program ($844K); Congregate Services Initiative ($81K); Long Term Care Ombudsman Program ($69K); and Enriched Social Adult Day Services ($245K).

For further information, please contact Cathy Bern-Smith, Policy Director for Senator Diaz at 518/455-2511.