AARP NYS Director Praises Valesky Appointment as Senate Aging Committee Chair

Contacts: Erik Kriss, ekriss@aarp.org, David Irwin, dirwin@aarp.org

Statement from AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel on appointment of David Valesky as chair of New York State Senate Committee on Aging:

“AARP is thrilled by the appointment of Senator David Valesky to chair the Senate Committee on Aging.

“Senator Valesky has been a consistent champion of issues important to the 50+. His hard and effective work in blocking cuts to the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Program is literally saving New Yorkers’ lives and money.

“This year, Senator Valesky and his colleagues in the Independent Democratic Conference have already prioritized two issues critical to older New Yorkers: family leave insurance to allow family caregivers to continue helping our elderly age with independence and dignity in their own homes – rather than in expensive, taxpayer-funded nursing homes - and creation of an independent utility consumer advocate to give residential ratepayers a meaningful voice when utilities push rate hikes.

“AARP looks forward to working with Senator Valesky and all his legislative colleagues to make sure these and other key issues for older New Yorkers are addressed in the state budget, during the 2014 legislative session and beyond.”

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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;  www.aarp.org ; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at  www.aarp.org .

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