Spring Into Action! Connect with Lawmakers Over April Recess
While this year's budget work has officially concluded and we can indulge in a brief sigh of relief, our work for the 2022 Legislative Session is far from over. Session is scheduled to conclude on June 2nd, and over the next two months, lawmakers will be taking up new (and old) initiatives and zeroing in on some of the issues that were not addressed in the final spending plan.
We thank all members for your incredible advocacy throughout the state budget process! We have seen fantastic engagement in our letter writing and grassroots advocacy in general. However, with many long term care-related issues still front-of-mind for lawmakers, and with some of LeadingAge NY's own policy priorities remaining unaddressed, it is certain that we will need your continued advocacy throughout the remainder of this session.
Some key legislative issues that LeadingAge NY will be advocating on during the final six weeks of session:
- Urge the Governor to Reduce Health Emergency Response Data System (HERDS) Reporting Requirements
- Oppose Further Restrictions on Psychotropic Medications in Nursing Homes and Adult Care Facilities (ACFs)
- Oppose an Increase in Penalties for ACFs
- Support the Role of the Nurse in ACFs
- Urge Lawmakers to Support Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) Request for Offers (RFO) Repealer
- Support Affordable Independent Senior Housing Assistance Program
- Authorize the Use of Medication Aides in the Nursing Home – New Advocacy Letter Coming Soon!
The Legislature is now officially on its legislative recess until April 25th. The recess poses a great opportunity for LeadingAge NY members to connect with lawmakers back home in the district. Members can connect with legislators in the district by attending public events that are being held, calling the district office and asking for an in-person meeting, or inviting legislators to an outdoor event at your facility.
It is incredibly impactful for lawmakers to see the hard work you are doing firsthand and to get to meet your residents and staff directly – particularly if you have a new capital project to show them or a new program that is up and running. However, considering COVID-19, we strongly recommend that members ask lawmakers to wear masks and test negative for COVID-19 prior to visiting your facility.
When connecting with legislators in the district over the April recess and the remainder of session, thank them for the funding that is being provided in this year’s budget for long term care and aging services – but also express your persistent workforce and financing challenges. Say that you are grateful for the support and attention to long term care that has come this year, but that the sector still needs significant resources and support to make up for over a decade of under-funding. We need allies and supporters in Albany to help us improve the system that serves older adults and people with disabilities.
Thank you in advance for sticking with us for the remainder of the 2022 Legislative Session! We will keep you apprised of the latest advocacy action items via our Friday Legislative Bulletins and other more urgent updates as needed. *Please note that there will be no Legislative Bulletin on Fri., April 15th due to the legislative break, but the advocacy newsletter will resume on April 22nd in preparation for the Legislature's return to Albany.
Contact: Sarah Daly, sdaly@leadingageny.org