Senator Díaz Announces that Governor Paterson Signs Legislation to Provide Financial Relief to Retirement Communities

August 20, 2010

For Immediate Release

Senator Díaz Announces that Governor Paterson Signs Legislation

 to Provide Financial Relief to Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities

August 20, 2010   State Senator Rubén Díaz (D-Bronx), Chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Aging announced today that Governor Paterson has signed into law a bill which he sponsored that will allow Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs) to count in-kind contributions toward their required match of state funds, upon approval from the Director of the State Office for the Aging (S.7512-A/A.9841-A, Chapter 410 of 2010).

“I am grateful to Governor Paterson for signing this bill into law,” stated Senator Díaz.  “NORCs are an important component in allowing older New Yorkers to remain independent, socially active and living in their own communities. This new law will provide much-needed financial relief to NORCs. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” Senator Díaz continued.

Laura Cameron, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Area Agencies on Aging said: “The New York State Association of Area Agencies on Aging thanks Senator Díaz for spearheading Senate Bill 7512-A and applauds Governor Paterson's support and signing of the bill. Allowing NORCs to use in-kind support will diminish the burden placed upon them by allowing the provision of non-monetary goods and services to serve as contributions to NORC activities and enable the organizations to access matching funds which will promote program sustainability. These programs have provided financial savings to the state and local governments of New York by ensuring that seniors remain vibrant, active members of their community.”

Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. said: “This will have a tremendous impact on our ability to provide services to people who are aging in place. We use in-kind support all the time.  This eliminates an administrative nightmare for us and allows us to spend our time helping older adults.”

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Legislation to Provide Financial Relief to NORCs Signed into Law 

“NORCs and Neighborhood NORCs are cost-effective programs that allow New York’s seniors to maintain their independence in the community” said Dennis R. Bozzi, President/CEO of the New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.  “By allowing NORCs to count in-kind contributions as matching funds for state grants, this legislation will help NORCs remain viable in these difficult economic times.”

The companion bill in the Assembly (A.9841-A) was sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.  It was passed unanimously by both houses of the legislature.

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