Assemblyman Jones Participates in Teletown Hall with Participants from Senior Planet
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) participated in a teletown hall with dozens of seniors who utilize services from Senior Planet. The teletown hall was organized by Senior Planet to thank the Assemblyman for securing $200,000 in the 2020-21 state budget to fund the Older Adults Technology Services, Inc’s (OATS) Senior Planet North Country. This funding supplements aid Jones obtained for the local senior group in last year’s budget to help local seniors navigate computers and the internet.
“The ongoing public health crisis has made the role technology plays in our lives more apparent than ever,” said Jones. “As we continue to socially distance ourselves and rely more and more on online communication, it’s vital that seniors across the North Country have access to broadband internet and the ability to use it. The OATS Senior Planet North Country program has provided technological literacy trainings for nearly five years, and this funding will help continue that tradition to ensure our seniors aren’t left behind.”
Senior Planet North Country offers computer literacy programs and provides free services and internet access for people aged 60 and up. The programs allow seniors to learn a variety of vital computer skills, ranging from sending an email to using social media.1,2 It’s critical for seniors to have access to technology and training, and Assemblyman Jones will continue to advocate for better connectivity and technological services in the North Country.