Legislative Bulletin: Advocacy Alert - final budget is nearing!
Budget update: Two weeks before a final budget agreement!
We are less than two weeks away from a final budget agreement! One-house budget bills are in the process of being finalized and the Senate and Assembly are expected to pass their one-house budget resolutions this Monday, March 11. These resolutions reflect the Legislature’s budget priorities going into final budget negotiations. Once these bills have been passed, Joint Budget Conference Committees are expected to convene, as early as Monday afternoon, and intense budget negotiations will take place, with a final budget still expected by March 21!
March Monday advocacy critical next week
As budget negotiations move forward next week, all of our issues are still alive and we believe that we will see them reflected in one or both of the one-house budget resolutions. We encourage members to reach out to their legislators on Monday – and throughout next week – to ensure they understand the impact of budget provisions on your facility and/or program. Key issues are: funding for supportive senior housing, ALP expansion for all ALPs – not just transitional homes, and standard wage mandates for MLTCs and nursing homes.
Please call your legislators on Monday to express your budget priorities. All the resources you need are available here, including contact information and letters to legislators. Please stand, ready for additional advocacy throughout the week as budget negotiations begin to reach their conclusion. We may need your help on a moment’s notice to ensure our priorities are reflected in the final budget agreement.
Minimum wage legislation passes Assembly
With a vote of 102-44, members of the Assembly passed legislation increasing minimum wage from $7.25 to $9.00 an hour, in addition to it automatically increasing with inflation. The bill has not yet been taken up by the Senate, where there remains controversy between Republican Leader Dean Skelos and Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein, however, there is support from a 32-member majority in the state Senate. Increasing the minimum wage remains part of the budget negotiations, but it is anyone’s guess if it will be included in the final budget agreement or taken up later in the session.
Legislative updates
Passed the Senate, referred to Assembly Health:
- A.4811 (Schimminger)/S.2118 (Ranzenhofer) – This legislation will provide affordable, accessible, continuing care services to seniors living at home. With the support of a case manager, seniors will be able to choose from a menu of services based upon their individual needs. LeadingAge New York supports this bill. Send a letter to your lawmakers, urging them to support this legislation!
Placed on the Assembly floor calendar:
- A.4306 (Brennan): Directs the commissioner of health to establish a schedule of fees for the use, maintenance and repair of air conditioners used by residents of adult homes. LeadingAge New York opposes this legislation.
Support your PAC!
A well-funded PAC allows us to support candidates and lawmakers who oppose cuts to long term care, senior housing, and services; and enables us to be involved in both the legislative and political process. Help us raise our voices in the Legislature by supporting our PAC – contribute today!
A very special thank you to this year’s Founders Club Members, who have contributed $1,000:
- Loren Ranaletta, president/CEO, Episcopal SeniorLife Communities
- Stuart C. Kaplan, CEO, Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.
- David Gentner, president and CEO, Wartburg
- Mary Francis Barrett, CEO, Hebrew Hospital Home of Westchester
- Michael N. Rosenblut, president and CEO, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
- Michael Keenan, president and CEO, Good Shepherd Communities
In addition to the fund-drive, the PAC will also be hosting its annual golf tournament on Mon., May 20 at the Saratoga Spa Golf Course!
This year’s format includes a later shot-gun start at 11:45 a.m. for the 18-hole tournament, and a 1:30 p.m. pro-clinic and 9-hole tournament for those of us who might need a little more practice! Join us at the 19th hole for a cocktail reception, prizes and giveaways when you’ve finished your round!
Click here for registration and sponsorship information.