Senator Rubén Díaz to Chair Public Hearing on the Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

For Immediate Release: April 8, 2010
Cathy Bern-Smith, Policy Director: (518) 455-2511

Senator Rubén Díaz to Chair Public Hearing on the
Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act

Albany, New York - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr., Chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Aging announced today that he is chairing a public hearing on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. The hearing will take place on Friday April 9th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 250 Broadway, New York City in the Senate Hearing Room on the 19th floor.

“After the federal legislation that created Social Security and Medicare, the Older Americans Act is perhaps the single most important piece of legislation for older New Yorkers,” stated Senator Díaz.  “Without it, services such as meals programs, senior centers and case management services might not exist,” he continued.

The following people are scheduled to present testimony: Greg Olsen, Deputy Director, New York State Office for the Aging; Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, Commissoner, New York City Department for the Aging; Melvin Faulkner, Community Liaison on behalf of Assembly Member Inez Barron, AD 40; Jessica Lappin, Chairwoman, New York City Council Committee on Aging; Bobbie Sackman, Director of Public Policy, Council of Senior Centers and Services; Suleika Cabrera Drinane, President and CEO, Institute of Puerto Rican and Hispanic Elderly; Karen Taylor, Director of Advocacy, SAGE; Carin Tinney, Policy Analyst for Aging Services, United Neighborhood Houses; Diane Barrett, Executive Director, Continuing Care Leadership Coalition; David Taylor, Chair, National Institute of Senior Centers; Frederick Riccardi, Outreach Coordinator, on behalf of Joe Baker, President, Medicare Rights Center; and Shelly Selin, AARP Volunteer Leader NYC and Michael Olender, Associate State Director, AARP-New York.

“These experts will provide important recommendations to ensure that older New Yorkers receive their fair share of funding and services when the Older Americans Act is reauthorized, and I look forward to their advice,” concluded Senator Díaz.

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