New York City (8/19/10)- This year, our nation and its people celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Program. To mark this occasion and to remind all New Yorkers of the special significance of the anniversary to New York because of President Franklin Roosevelt’s relentless work to see the enabling legislation come to fruition, Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed August 2010 to be Social Security Diamond Anniversary Month in New York State. The Social Security Program, enacted on August 14, 1935 continues to be an important family income protection program for disabled workers, surviving family members, children and retired older Americans. To read the 75th Anniversary Statement....
New York State Office for the Aging Albany event brings together federal and state officials, community organizations, labor and consumer groups to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Social Security program. The event was the first of many to be held statewide during August.
July, 14, 2010 marks the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Older Americans Act which remains one of the most significant pieces of legislation in place for older Americans in all states. For Director Burgess' Statement
New York launched a new website on Federal health care reform
. The website includes descriptions of health care reform, how it will benefit New Yorkers, and the progress of implementation in the State. The website also includes information on how residents can obtain health insurance coverage and the public programs already in place in the State.
The website also includes a timeline of when specific provisions of health care reform go into effect. Several reforms take effect this summer, including a temporary high risk pool for people with medical conditions that are expensive to treat, an early retiree reinsurance program that will help offset the cost of providing health insurance to retirees age 55 and over who are not eligible for Medicare, and the mailing of rebate checks to Medicare Part D enrollees who reach the "donut hole" coverage gap.
New York State and the nation have lost a giant in the field of gerontology with the passing of Dr. Robert Butler on Sunday. Not only was he the leading voice on issues related to longevity and the study of aging, but he was a moral voice who insisted that society value our elders in its public policies and programs. For more on Director Burgess' statement...
New York State’s population is growing, and growing older even faster. Now, more than ever, it is important for communities to plan for the future so that residents of all ages can enjoy a better quality of life. If you are already involved in planning your community’s future, or want to be, you will want to attend one of two regional conferences that will be held this summer.
The Family Health Care Decisions Act is a statute adopted in New York signed into law by Governor David Paterson on March 16, 2010. The effective date of the legislation is June 1, 2010. The Family Health Care Decisions Act establishes the right of family members and others close to an incapacitated patient to make health care decisions on that patient’s behalf when he or she is no longer able to do so.
Michael J. Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging presided over the public celebration of Senior Citizens' Day on May 5th at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York. The event, attended by participants from across the state included several awards, entertainment provided by talented older New Yorkers, an art gallery that included artwork from senior centers from across the state and the premiere showing of the video production "From Generation to Generation." Check back here to see additional information and photos from the event.
On April 9, 2010 NYSOFA participated in a hearing convened by the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Aging. The hearing was convened to obtain perspectives on the preauthorization of the Older Americans Act. To view the complete testimony...
The federal Department of Health and Human Services and the federal Administration on Aging announced that $27 million will soon be awarded to develop programs to help older adults with chronic diseases to improve how they can self-manage their chronic diseases and improve their quality of life. New York State Office for the Aging will receive $ 1,190,610 of this funding to operate the program in the state. The program, to be known as the “Communities Putting Prevention to Work Chronic Disease Self-Management Program,” is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The National Conference on Volunteering and Service, the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors will be held in New York City beginning June 28, 2010. This annual event provides attendees with an opportunity to learn, connect and be inspired through exciting and informative plenary sessions, workshops, special events, service projects, exhibits, specialized corporate tracks and more.
signing ceremony.Michael Burgess, Director of the State Office for the Aging testified on February 10th before the Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee of the New York State Legislature regarding the 2010 proposed Executive Budget. To see the complete testimony.
Michael J. Burgess announced the release of three reports that provide key findings regarding unpaid caregiving in New York State. A major finding in the reports indicates that services which provide support to New York caregivers enable those needing care to live independently in their homes and communities, avoiding placement in institutions and saving state resources.
The open meeting was webcast live. Links to the webcast are posted on this page so interested parties can view the meeting.
To view the meeting using windows media player use this link:
http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/stcasx/va91win1520/SOFA_10_28_2009editA.wmv/play.asx
To view the meeting using Real Player use this link: http://pointers.audiovideoweb.com/stcram/nj20real2704/SOFA_10_28_2009edit.rm/play
New York State Office for the Aging Director Michael Burgess announced that $490,000 in State grants has been awarded to fifteen not-for-profit organizations and local governments to support the creation of communities in which older adults can successfully age in place.
Governor David A. Paterson recently announced $31.4 million in funding for the modification, repair, and rehabilitation of 1,991 units of affordable housing for low-income families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.
OR REAL MEDIAGovernor David A. Paterson issued an Executive Order establishing the New York State Task Force on Public Retiree Health Benefits. The Task Force will study health care benefits provided to employees of the State and local governments in New York by specifically addressing the preservation of quality retiree health care, and ways to make health care more affordable for local governments.
