MAYVILLE – The Chautauqua County Office for the Aging (OFA) is joining the Association on Aging in New York and other Area Agencies on Aging across the state for the “Step Up for Seniors” initiative. This initiative brings together seniors so they can show state elected leaders their support for senior program funding.
According to the county office for the aging, Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget shows severe cuts and shifts in funding to Aging Services programs at a time when over 15,000 seniors across New York State are waiting for services.
“New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his intention to make New York State ‘Aging Friendly,'” said Dr. Mary Ann Spanos, Chautauqua County OFA Director. “But with the submission of his proposed budget for 2017-2018, senior residents of Chautauqua County and across the state are getting the opposite message.”
According to Spanos, Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget shows severe cuts and shifts in funding to Aging Services programs at a time when over 15,000 seniors across New York State are waiting for services. Instead of funding increases for senior services such as home care, personal care, home delivered meals, adult day care services, health insurance counseling, and transportation, the Governor’s proposal cuts approximately $12.6 million from the 2017-18 annual budget for the State Office for Aging. In addition, changes in Title XX funding of the social services block grant put 65 senior centers in New York City alone at risk for closing.
Seniors in Chautauqua County have several opportunities to participate in a ‘Step Up for Seniors’ mock rally. Rallies in the Jamestown area include one scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday at the Frewsburg Rest Home.
A second rally is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Taft Center (663 Lakeview Ave., Jamestown).and Governor Cuomo prior to the beginning of the public hearings on the budget.
For more information on any of the Chautauqua County Step Up for Seniors mock rallies, or for information on the Governor’s proposed budget, contact the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging at (716) 753-4582.
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