Legislative Bulletin: Host Your Own Virtual Lobby Day

Advocacy Alert! March Monday Materials Online
As we reported last week, the Legislature is scheduled to release their one-house budget bills by Thurs., March 12, with Joint Budget Conference Committees convening immediately thereafter. With budget negotiations moving quickly, and passage by April 1 still expected, we must continue our advocacy efforts to ensure our priorities are included in one-house budget bills, and ultimately, a final budget.

We, along with our counsel, Hinman Straub, have been meeting with legislators and central staff on key budget issues, such as an increase to the Congregate Care Level 3 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Rate; protecting EQUAL funding; capital for long term and post-acute care providers; managed long term care and nursing home initiatives; and our most recent proposal that would provide funding for resident service coordinators.

This coming Monday, March 9, we're asking members to host their very own March Monday Virtual Lobby Day for their staff, consumers and board members to engage with lawmakers on a local grassroots level. There are several key budget concerns impacting various providers. Utilize our advocacy materials to help develop your organization’s “ask.” Be sure to tell your legislators the impact that these proposals will have on your organization, the individuals you serve and the people you employ. We encourage you to focus on one or more of our key asks:

For your convenience, we have developed a number of materials to help you plan your Virtual Lobby Day – visit our March Monday website to access these materials. To access your legislator's contact information, click here, enter your information and select "find legislators." Once you've contacted your legislators, please fill out the response form, and return it to Alyssa Lovelace via email at alovelace@leadingageny.org or fax to 518-867-8384. Don't forget to indicate on your response form if you want to be included in the drawing to win $100! The two winners will be announced in April!

Assembly Majority Leader Morelle to Host Town Hall Meeting
Tomorrow, Sat., March 7, Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle will host a presentation on the Executive Budget proposal at the Brighton Town Hall located at 2300 Elmwood Ave. in Brighton. This meeting is an opportunity to learn about the Executive Budget proposal and to share your thoughts and concerns with the Majority Leader. Registration for the event is not required.

Are You Registered for the PAC Golf Tournament?
The 2015 PAC Golf Tournament will be held on Mon., May 18 at Ballston Spa Country Club. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are now available online. Join us for breakfast and contests beginning at 10 a.m., followed by an 18-hole tournament and driving range and pro-clinic for those who just want to do a bit of practicing. We’ll meet at the 19th hole for a reception and prizes! Not a golfer? Not to worry, you can make your PAC contribution here.

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