AARP Praises State of State ‘Master Plan for Aging’ & Affordable Housing & Healthcare Worker Wage Plans

New Era Focusing on Older New Yorkers by Governor Hochul

ALBANY, N.Y. – AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2022 State of the State address:

“It was refreshing to see a new focus on older New Yorkers in a State of the State speech – a new era focusing on older New Yorkers by Governor Hochul.

“AARP applauds Governor Hochul for offering a wide-ranging 2022 agenda ranging from a Master Plan for Aging to an initiative to increase and regulate ‘in-law apartments’ to a blueprint to create more alternatives to nursing homes and institutional care.

“With a quarter of New York’s population projected to be 60 or over in just eight years, AARP thanks Governor Hochul for proposing a Master Plan for Aging. We joined with more than 80 other organizations and agencies to urge the Governor to create such a plan. While we must still examine the details, the Governor’s proposal would create more alternatives to nursing homes and institutional care, combat elder abuse, and invest $1 billion to expand access to increasingly necessary high-speed internet - which can protect older New Yorkers by enabling them to visit healthcare professionals virtually, helping combat deadly social isolation, and more.

“California, Colorado and Texas have rolled out such master plans, and we’re encouraged to see that New York, under our new Governor’s leadership, will as well. It’s time to rethink how we approach aging and affirm that people 50-plus are valued, respected, and deserve to live in healthy, safe communities that meet their needs.

“We’re also encouraged by the Governor’s commitment to address healthcare workforce shortages through better pay.

“We hope the Governor reconsiders delaying a new AARP-supported law that would require nursing homes to increase staffing and guarantee residents a minimum level of daily care. This is long overdue and would hopefully prevent the kind of catastrophe that should never be allowed to happen again.

“AARP is pleased with the Governor’s proposal to expand the number and safety of so-called ‘in-law apartments.’ More and safer ‘accessory dwelling units’ would not only expand affordable housing options for older adults to age in their communities but would also help avoid tragedies like the drowning of 11 New York City residents in illegal and unregulated basement apartments during last year’s storms.

“We are encouraged by the Governor’s proposal to essentially expand New York City’s effective ‘Right to Counsel’ law statewide to provide lawyers to tenants fighting unwarranted evictions - especially with the current state eviction moratorium due to expire January 15.

“And we hope to work with Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to advance proposals to reduce the high cost of prescription drugs, help millions of struggling New York households facing potential utility shutoffs because they’re behind on their bills, and provide a tax credit to offset the financial burden of family caregiving.”

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AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

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