On March 10, the New York State Assembly and Senate released their “One-House Budget,” outlining the Legislature’s response to the Governor’s proposed FY2026–27 State Budget. We are grateful that the State Senate included $25 million to support implementation of New York State’s Master Plan on Aging.
However, we are deeply disappointed that the Assembly did not include funding for critical aging initiatives, such as the Master Plan on Aging, the Senior Housing Resident Advisor Program, and elder abuse and financial scam prevention efforts.
Even more concerning, the Governor’s Office has continued to overlook the rapidly growing needs of older adults and family caregivers across the state. Currently, more than 70,000 services are waitlisted, including essential supports like Meals on Wheels, transportation, and case management. Older adults are struggling to meet basic costs of living, while family caregivers are forced to make impossible choices between maintaining employment and caring for loved ones. These challenges are further compounded by federal actions that threaten core supports, including proposed cuts to Medicaid, new work requirements for food assistance, and reductions in housing resources.
Governor Hochul has demonstrated strong leadership over the past year, standing up for communities during the federal budget shutdown, addressing SNAP delays, and advancing childcare initiatives. She has said that New York’s families are her fight — now she must demonstrate that commitment by fully including older adults and caregivers in that fight which starts by allocating $175 million to support community based aging programs through the New York State Office for the Aging.
New York is an aging state experiencing a longevity boom, yet our systems are not keeping pace. We call on the Governor and the State Assembly to follow the Senate’s lead by investing in practical, affordable, and cost-effective programs that enable older adults to age safely in their communities while supporting the families who care for them.
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