We have come to the end of a tumultuous year in state government which included the transition to a new governor and the worst budgetary crisis in our lifetime. As we go forward into 2009 we must maintain our mission to promote the home and community based services which allow older New Yorkers the opportunity to live independently in the community with economic security. Certainly, this is a much more difficult mission now due to the overall national and global economic conditions which have harmed the retirement savings of so many older persons as well as state and local budgets.
Faced with the need to make substantial cuts in state spending for next year's budget, NYSOFA worked with Governor Paterson and his staff to develop a budget that still maintains our core services. We worked to preserve the infrastructure of the aging network in our state and I believe we have done that, though some of the cuts are difficult and we wish the economic times were better so that we would not have had to propose them.
I have never liked looking at life solely through the lens of a state budget. State policies and budgets are important but it is the delivery of services in the community and the networking of families, friends, caregivers and community organizations which make life better for people. A good example of that occurred recently in the Capital District and the eastern part of the state during the December ice storm. No amount of government money could have taken care of people in need. It was the hard work and compassion of volunteers and staff at our area agencies and other community organizations and housing projects that made sure that the vulnerable older population as well as the disabled were contacted to ensure they were not in life threatening situations and could be moved to a shelter for warmth.
I have said over and over again that we in state government don't provide the services. They are provided at the local level by dedicated staff persons and volunteers. Here in Albany we will continue to do our part, providing the support, funding, training and leadership to help empower communities to continue to better serve older New Yorkers. I am proud to be involved in that mission and to have so many of you as partners.
