Advocacy

As New Yorkers continue to see their energy bills go up—and as more than a million fall behind with their utility payments—a new rate shock might be coming. AARP is fighting to help those who can least afford it.

The arrears reduction program will provide $250 million in immediate relief to ratepayers behind on their bills that are enrolled in their utility’s energy assistance program.AARP New York and the Public Utility Law Project (“PULP”) today applauded the creation of an arrears reduction program to help New Yorkers behind on their energy bills. The order from the New York State Public Service Commission follows a budget allocation by Governor Hochul and the State Legislature of $250 million to pay down residential electric and gas utility arrears statewide, including on Long Island. Funds will be dispersed no later than August 1, 2022.

Advocates for Nursing Home Residents Praise Passage of Bill Requiring Long Term Care Ombudsman Program to Report Visits, Kinds & Patterns of Complaints

Passes Sen. Liz Krueger’s Bill Prohibiting Employers from Requiring Job Applicants to Disclose Age; AARP Urges Assembly to Follow Suit

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel released the following statement in response to today’s New York State Senate actions on prescription drug legislation:

Intervenor funding would allow residential customers to be better represented in utility rate cases

As part of celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, AARP New York asked elected officials from around the state to share their stories about why they decided to run for office, why it’s important to celebrate AAPI Month, and what New Yorkers age 50-plus can do to get involved in local and state public policy. The legislators and their responses are below.

Four Million Americans, Including 283,000+ NYers Signed AARP Petition Calling on Congress to Act; AARP NY Delivered NY Petitions to Senator Today

The following is a guest post by Jed A. Levine, President Emeritus of CaringKind, a New York City organization that works with community partners to develop the information, tools and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia.

Health, Consumer, Aging & Other Groups Call for Groundbreaking Senate-Backed Pilot