Rozic Advocates for Seniors during State Budget Negotiations

Urges State Office for the Aging to secure additional funding in support of seniors

Queens, NY – In a letter to State Office of the Aging (SOFA) Director Corinda Crossdale, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) is urging the agency to push for an additional $25 million in the 2017-18 State Budget for programs that provide in-home services for seniors.

“At a time when New York’s seniors are still struggling, I believe the state should be doing everything possible to provide resources for our state’s most vulnerable population,” said Rozic.

The letter comes after Rozic heard from constituents expressing concern over how often they are waitlisted for programs including Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP), home-delivered meals, and transportation.

This year’s Executive Budget proposal recommends $235.5 million in funding for SOFA – a decrease from last year. In the letter, Rozic emphasized the need for SOFA and other state agencies to invest in more resources that would provide seniors with the quality care and services they need.

Most recently, Rozic joined Assemblyman Braunstein (D-Bayside) to push back against the Governor’s proposed plan to redirect Title XX funding used to support senior centers. If enacted, NYC would be impacted by an estimated $17 million loss that could force senior centers to close.