Senator Rachel May Advanced Several Significant Bills Through State Legislature

Syracuse, NY –  Senator Rachel May (D-Onondaga, Madison, Oneida) advanced several bills through both houses of the state legislature during the second half of the 2021-2022 session. The list of critical bills includes adding additional reporters for child abuse, a comprehensive healthcare program for older adults, increased reporting for long-term care facilities and creating an LGBTQ+ advisory board. 

S8903 The bill streamlines the PACE program, which will provide comprehensive healthcare for members of the 55 and older community who qualify for a nursing home but wish to stay at home. 

S2023 The bill relates to the licensure of athletic trainers, which adds them to the list of people required to report cases of suspected child abuse or maltreatment.

S8617A The bill enhances the annual reporting requirements of the state long-term care ombudsman, requiring them to gather additional information for annual reports to the governor, state legislature, etc. Also, investigators must submit an additional annual report to the attorney general on any cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation for review and possible enforcement action.

S6501B Establishes the LGBTQ+ advisory board to make recommendations, conduct research, and more regarding the LGBTQ+ community in New York state.

S9008 The bill relates to programs for the aging. It decreases the income threshold for private pay programs for client participation from 400% of the federal poverty level to 250%.

S660A The bill encourages the use of medians along state highways and other roadways as pollinator-friendly zones. New policies and procedures will promote the use of native plants that are beneficial to pollinators and will improve their habitat.

S555C The bill creates a new office for older adult workforce development within the office for the aging.