Senator Golden Applauds State Budget Achievements for New York Seniors

Brooklyn – State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, 22nd District), the former Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, is today applauding the significant achievements of the 2014-2015 New York State Budget on behalf of our state’s senior population.

“This year’s budget has established significant increases in the income eligibility requirements for the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program and has expanded the New York State EPIC Prescription Drug Program. This action will provide true relief for thousands of seniors living on a fixed income, facing the rising costs of medication, rent and other living expenses,” said Senator Marty Golden.

“We have taken a major step forward as it relates to senior care in New York by including funding to support at home services and health programs. We must continue to build on the funding allocation for the Community Services for the Elderly Program so that we can eliminate waiting lists for meals on wheels and case management,” continued Golden.

The 2014-2015 New York State budget highlights for senior citizens include:

*Increase in the income eligibility to qualify for SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) to $50,000

*Expansion of the New York State EPIC Prescription Drug Program income eligibility from $35,000 to $75,000 for single persons, and from $50,000 to $100,000 for married seniors

*$5 million for the Community Services for the Elderly Program to support transportation assistance, respite care, case management and home delivery meals

*$875,000 for Elder Health/Alzheimer’s Program

Senator Golden last month joined Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-C-64th District) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services at a press conference at the Narrows Moose Lodge Senior Center urging Governor Cuomo to make funding for senior services a priority in this year’s budget.