Highlights from Monday’s Budget Conference Committee Meetings

The General Budget Conference Committee (the “Mothership”) and joint legislative budget subcommittees convened for the first time on Monday to begin their work toward negotiating a final budget. Below are the highlights most relevant to seniors and aging services providers.

At the General Budget Conference Committee meeting, Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan outlined the Senate Majority’s priorities, including creating economic opportunity and access for all New Yorkers and investing in jobs, infrastructure, transportation, the environment, health care, and higher education. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie emphasized the Assembly Majority’s commitment to Foundation Aid, raising the age of criminal responsibility, college affordability, and supporting senior centers and the prevention of homelessness through the extension of the millionaires’ tax. Notably, each conference voiced its support for additional financial assistance for direct care workers.

At the Environment/Agriculture/Housing subcommittee meeting, Senate Housing Chair Betty Little referenced the Affordable Senior Housing and Services Program, a proposal championed by LeadingAge NY, and emphasized looking to the future to identify emerging needs/gaps in programs that the state already offers. Assembly Housing Chair Steven Cymbrowitz discussed the need to come to an agreement on the $2.5 million housing plan. This funding will be used for senior housing as well as for public housing authorities throughout the state and is especially critical considering the cuts proposed in the federal budget. He mentioned the Assembly’s proposed Elder Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for New York City, which offers a new support for seniors and works with the city’s financial plan. Assemblyman Cymbrowitz concluded by saying that “when it comes to our seniors, we have to think long-term,” and that the Assembly Majority looks forward to working with fellow lawmakers to meet the state’s housing needs.

At the Health subcommittee meeting, Senator David J. Valesky stated in reference to Governor Cuomo’s proposed health care capital allocation that both houses believe “the needs outweigh the resources.” The Assembly and Senate are both putting forth recommendations to add capital dollars for health but also find it important to know where last year’s dollars will be going. Assembly Aging Chair Donna Lupardo mentioned working closely with the Senate Aging Committee on issues impacting senior populations. Both committees agree on the need to protect vital programs and services for seniors, including Community Services for the Elderly (CSE), N/NORCs, and NY Connects. Regarding the federal budget, Assemblywoman Lupardo was particularly concerned about the cuts to the Community Development Block Grant program and Meals on Wheels. Lastly, Assembly Health Ranker Andrew Raia stated that while the Assembly Minority Conference was pleased with additional health care capital funding, it would like to see more money dedicated to community-based providers.

Contact: Jeff Diamond, jdiamond@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8821