Legislative Bulletin: LeadingAge NY Releases Final Budget Analysis

LeadingAge NY Releases Comprehensive Final Budget Analysis

After weeks of spirited negotiations between Governor Cuomo and the Legislature, the final 2017-18 State Budget, effective for the period April 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018, has been enacted into law. The $153.1 billion plan reflects the seventh consecutive year of 2 percent or less growth in overall spending. On Tuesday, LeadingAge NY released its annual final budget report, which summarizes areas of the budget that affect multiple long term care, post-acute care, and senior service lines.

LeadingAge NY worked on several issues during the budget process and was able to advance key objectives, secure revisions to some budget proposals, and successfully oppose other proposals that would have adversely affected members and the individuals they serve. Our success would not have been possible without your continued advocacy efforts. Thank you!

With Session Kicking Off Again on Monday, Please Take Action on Priority Bills!

The Legislature is set to return from its two-week recess on Monday, with committees beginning to work on legislation. There are several key bills that we want to advance or stop, and we need your advocacy! Please take a few minutes to connect with your lawmakers on the following issues:

Governor Cuomo Announces Key Administration Appointments

On Monday, the Governor announced a new wave of appointments to his administration, “adding to a team committed to implementing his bold agenda.” The 17 additions, per the Governor’s statement, “bring new ideas and talent to strengthen [his] team and build on [its] accomplishments to work together to continue to move New York forward.”

Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor
Jill DesRosiers, Executive Deputy Secretary to the Governor
Adam Zurofsky, Deputy Secretary for Energy and Financial Services
Michael Schmidt, Deputy Secretary for Economic Development
Ali Chaudhry, Deputy Secretary for Transportation
Adam W. Silverman, Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Public Safety
Tanisha Edwards, Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Taxation and Finance
Rajiv Shah, Assistant Secretary for the Environment
Megan Baldwin, Assistant Secretary for Health
Natacha Carbajal-Evangelista, Assistant Secretary for Labor and Workforce
Daniel Fuller, Assistant Secretary for Education
Peter Olmsted, Assistant Secretary for Energy
Abbey Fashouer, First Deputy Press Secretary
Robyn Ryan, Assistant Director of Operations for Special Projects
Andrew Ball, Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs
Chelsea Muller, Senior Program Manager
Casey Kuklick, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy

The announcement also holds some historical significance. DeRosa, who joined the administration in April 2013 and currently serves as chief of staff, will be the first female Secretary to the Governor.

Senator Diaz Announces Candidacy for New York City Council

Lastly, Senator Ruben Diaz announced last week that he will run for his old seat on the New York City Council this fall. If elected, the Senator, who briefly served on the Council before entering the Senate in 2003, would replace term-limited incumbent Annabel Palma.

Contacts:

Ami Schnauber, aschnauber@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8854

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