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Budget Resolutions | Legislative Priorities | Comptroller McCall - Analysis of available revenue | Press Release on Bush Budget for OAA | Text of "Bare Bones" Budget 2001 -2002 CONTINUUM OF CARE We support community services for the elderly which will permit seniors to live independently in their homes for as long as possible before needing more expensive and intensive institutionalized services. The New York State Coalition for the Aging has identified the following priorities for the State Fiscal Year 2001 - 2002: · $10 million - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Funding is needed for meals and operating expenses. There are waiting lists for home-delivered meals and a large unmet need as reported in a recent state study - 70% of those in immediate need of meals are not receiving them · $10 million - Capital Grants Program - The Legislature last session established a new $750,000 funding stream for the renovation needs of senior centers. This funding is an admirable start towards reducing a large need. Our Statewide survey of renovation needs demonstrated that additional funding is necessary to address the critical and pervasive need for renovations of senior centers statewide and for new construction in underserved communities or for relocation. · $10 million - Social Adult Day Services - The Legislature last session established a new $ 1 million funding stream for Social Adult Day Services. This funding is an important beginning. Additional funding is needed for this community-based service that provides a congregate setting for older adults with physical disabilities and cognitive problems such as Alzheimer's. Adult day services help elderly persons and also provide respite to their caregivers · $8 million - Community Services for the Elderly program (CSE) - A flexible funding stream to fill locally determined gaps in services. Services include transportation, adult day services, home care case management and other services. · $3 million - Congregate Services Initiative (CSI) - The Senior Center Enhancement Program - For health promotion and wellness programs at senior centers such as health screenings and support services for grandparents raising grandchildren. - Transportation - Operating Expenses - The operating costs of labor, maintenance, insurance and fuel costs for vehicles are exorbitant. The use of vehicles is critical for countless senior center programs and activities. For example, vans take seniors to senior centers, adult day services, medical appointments and food shopping. A van can mean the difference between a homebound elderly person receiving a meal or not. Funding is needed for the operating expenses of vehicles. |
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