Legislative Bulletin: Golf Tournament Registration Deadline Is Today!
Calling All Golfers! Today is the last day to register for the PAC golf tournament
With the LeadingAge NY PAC Golf Tournament only 10 days away, registration will close by midnight. If you or someone you know is planning to golf in the tournament, please complete this registration form and send it back to Alyssa Lovelace. Sponsorship opportunities, including tee sign sponsorships are still available. The tournament will begin at 11 a.m. on Mon., May 18 – please arrive early for registration and chipping contest!
Advocacy Alert! Urge your lawmakers to increase the SSI and PNA rates for low-income seniors
Earlier this week, legislation (S.5151 (Little)) was introduced that would increase the congregate care level 3 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rate for the aged, blind and disabled, and also increase personal allowance accounts for individuals receiving enhanced residential care. The legislation increases the current SSI rate by $5 per day, and $24 per month for the personal needs allowance. You may recall that LeadingAge NY, Hinman Straub and provider members worked to get an increase to the SSI rate in this year’s final State budget, but unfortunately, it was not included. The current SSI rate of approximately $41 per day is not adequate to pay for the services that adult care facilities must, by regulation, provide. Residents that receive SSI also deserve an increase in their personal needs allowance, so that they have adequate funds to last throughout the month. Please email your senator today, urging them to co-sponsor and support this important legislation.
Staffing Ratio Legislation Remains in Committee
It was a quiet week in the Capitol for staffing ratio legislation (A.1548 (Gottfried)-S.782 (Hannon)). The bill, known as the Safe Staffing for Quality Care Act, would create specific staffing ratios for nurses and other direct-care staff in hospitals and nursing homes. The New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) will host a lobby day on Tues., May 12 in Albany to support the bill. LeadingAge NY opposes the legislation, which if enacted, would cost an estimated $1.06 billion to implement in nursing homes and would require more than an hour of additional staff time per resident per day when compared to current staffing. Please email to your lawmakers now, urging them to oppose this legislation.
Health Commissioner Confirmed by Senate
The Senate Health and Senate Finance Committees confirmed Dr. Howard Zucker as the State's health commissioner, earlier this week. During the meetings, Dr. Zucker commented on the needs of the State's aging population; the importance of improving behavioral health care; and that he will help modernize the Department of Health. Dr. Zucker was nominated for the position by Gov. Cuomo in January, but has served as the acting health commissioner for nearly a year, since the resignation of Dr. Nirav Shah. Read more about Dr. Zucker here.
Governor Calls for Higher Wages in Fast Food Industry
The NYS Assembly passed legislation, earlier this week that would phase-in a $15 per hour minimum wage through 2018 in New York City, Westchester and Long Island. While the bill faces opposition in the Senate, the Governor has called for a specific minimum wage for fast food workers. Gov. Cuomo’s proposal, which was excluded from a final State budget, would raise the minimum wage to $11.50 in New York City and $10.50 throughout the rest of the State. A Wage Board has been established to “investigate and make recommendations on increasing the minimum wage in the fast food industry.”
Senate Majority Leader and Son Arrested
After rumors circulated late last week, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and his son, Adam Skelos were arrested on Monday for federal corruption charges. Skelos remains the majority leader and was supported by 16 republican members; however, support is dwindling, particularly in Western NY. The Senate Democratic Conference filed a motion today, to force a vote on Senate Chamber Leadership. Read the latest here.
Contact: Alyssa Lovelace, alovelace@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8844