Legislative Bulletin: Final Budget Bills Expected This Weekend
Final Budget Bills Expected This Weekend
Legislators and central staff are still negotiating a final budget, having worked early into the morning again today. In order for a budget to be passed by the April 1 deadline, budget bills would need to go to print by tomorrow evening, so they can “age” on lawmakers’ desks for three days before being voted on. If budget bills do not go to print by tomorrow evening, the Governor will have to issue a message of necessity to avoid a late budget – this will allow lawmakers to vote on the bills earlier. However, if a final budget lacks ethics and education reform, the Governor said he will not approve a final budget. As of the time of this writing, media outlets have reported that an ethics bill may be printed tonight.
LeadingAge New York and the association’s counsel, Hinman Straub, have been at the Capitol meeting with lawmakers and key staff during this critical time. There are a number of our priorities that are still being worked out, including the Congregate Care Level 3 Supplemental Security Income increase and capital for senior housing and long term care providers. We will keep everyone posted on negotiations and will send members an analysis of the final budget early next week, followed by our comprehensive final budget analysis. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the budget, please contact Alyssa Lovelace at 518-867-8844.
House Passes “Doc Fix” Legislation
Yesterday, Congress overwhelmingly approved H.R. 2, legislation that would implement a permanent "doc fix;" renew therapy caps exceptions; and extend Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans – all of which are of major importance to LeadingAge NY and the membership. The bipartisan effort is being hailed as “the most significant bipartisan policy legislation to pass through that chamber since Republicans regained a majority in 2011,” according to the New York Times. LeadingAge NY issued a letter to the Congressional delegation, urging for the passage of the legislation, which can be read here. If you have any questions about the “doc fix,” please contact Ami Schnauber or Dan Heim at 518-867-8383.
U.S. Senator Reid to Retire
Minority Leader of the U.S. Senate, Harry Reid, announced today that he will not seek re-election, next year, after 30 years of service. Media outlets report that New York Senator, Charles (Chuck) Schumer, is a top contender to lead the Democrats. Learn more about Sen. Schumer and view Sen. Reid’s retirement message here.
Upcoming ACF/AL Advocacy Day
LeadingAge NY will host an advocacy day for Assisted Living (AL) and Adult Care Facility (ACF) members on Tues., April 21 in Albany. We will meet with staff from Department of Health and members of the Senate and Assembly. Registration will be sent to all ACF/AL members next week, so please keep an eye on your inbox. If you have any questions about the upcoming advocacy day, please contact Alyssa Lovelace or Diane Darbyshire at 518-867-8383.
Have Your Name Seen on the Green!
The LeadingAge NY PAC will once again offer a tee-sign sponsorship at this year’s golf tournament on Mon., May 18. Those who sponsor a tee-sign will receive their name and their organization/company’s name on a sign located on the greens. This sponsorship is available to provider-members, as well as associate members, vendors and non-members. Click here to have your name seen on the green and here to register and view sponsorship opportunities.
Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8844