The Age Strong Coalition, comprised of statewide service providers and advocacy organizations that support older New Yorkers and their families, is concerned that older adults are missing from the Governor’s fight for families.

Policies that support healthy aging, economic security, caregiving, housing stability, and access to essential services are vital to support New York’s rapidly aging population, particularly as the number of older New Yorkers living below the poverty line has increased 50 percent over the last decade.

From the Governor’s report, New York is in a strong financial position, yet disappointingly, funding for critical aging services remains flat, while 70,000 older adults, outside of New York City, unacceptably continue to languish on waitlists. There was a $3 million investment in developing the State’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA) since the Governor's Executive Order, but no new money has been granted to implement the recommendations. With more than 4.3 million caregivers in New York, this was a time for needed action to give relief to both families and their loved ones.

The MPA was a tremendous first step towards putting our older family members first. However, the current FY2027 budget fails to make good on the commitment; it must accommodate the proposals made by hundreds of aging advocates, approved by the governor’s staff at DOH and SOFA, and fully fund aging services.

The Age Strong Coalition remains committed to working with policymakers, advocates, and community partners to achieve the full implementation of the MPA. Older New Yorkers deserve nothing less.