Are You Registered for Advocacy Day?

The legislative session has officially begun! The governor released his State of the State Address last week, outlining his priorities for the 2014 legislative session and he will next release his executive budget proposal on Tues., Jan. 21. Joint legislative budget hearings and negotiations will convene following the release of the executive budget proposal. LeadingAge New York is scheduled to testify at the Health/Medicaid Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Mon., Feb. 3 and submit testimony at the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Housing on Tues., Feb. 4.

Although the state will be operating in a $500 million surplus during the 2014-15 fiscal year, we still have to ensure that seniors and aging services are at the forefront of lawmakers discussions during budget negotiations. Help ensure that long term care is properly represented in this year's budget by participating in the LeadingAge New York/Adult Day Health Care Council Annual Advocacy Day on Tues., Feb. 4. Click here to register. Once you’ve registered, please begin scheduling meetings with lawmakers between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please refrain from scheduling meetings between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m; this time will be set aside for guest legislative speakers and lunch. For your convenience, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to assist you with scheduling your legislative meetings.

Advocacy Day will begin promptly at 9 a.m. on Tues., Feb. 4 on the concourse level of the Empire State Plaza in Albany in meeting rooms 2 and 3. After registration has commenced on the morning of Advocacy Day, LeadingAge New York policy and government relations staff will review materials with participants during a morning program. Materials, including an issue brief, talking points and parking information will be sent via email to participants the week before Advocacy Day. If you need assistance with scheduling legislative meetings, have difficulty with registration or need specific accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact Alyssa Lovelace.

Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8844