Legislative Bulletin: Final Budget Still Being Negotiated

Final State Budget Still Being Negotiated
Legislators and staff are still negotiating a final budget, having worked early into the morning again today. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver confirmed this morning that negotiations were ongoing saying, “things are in the works, but there’s no deal yet.” In order for a budget to be passed by the April 1st deadline, budget bills would need to go to print by tonight so they can “age” on lawmakers’ desks for three days before being voted on this Monday. If budget bills do not go to print by tonight, the Governor will then have to issue a message of necessity to avoid a late budget – this will allow lawmakers to vote on the bills earlier.

LeadingAge New York staff and the association’s legislative counsel, Hinman Straub, have been at the Capitol meeting with lawmakers and key staff during this critical time. It’s our understanding that safe patient handling and standard wage for nursing homes are still being negotiated. We will keep everyone posted on budget 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.

Upcoming Advocacy Days
In addition to LeadingAge New York’s Adult Care Facility (ACF)/Assisted Living (AL) Advocacy Day on Mon., April 28th, we are also hosting a Nursing Home Advocacy Day on Tues., May 20th. Keep an eye on your inbox for registration and more information. In the meantime, click here to register for the ACF/AL Advocacy Day.

Will You Be a Sponsor?
We will once again be offering a tee-sign sponsorship at this year’s PAC golf tournament on Mon., June 16th. Those who sponsor a tee-sign will receive their name and their organization/company’s name on a tee-sign located on the green. 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.