We’ve been keeping an eye on the fight to save 105 senior centers in New York City (six of those centers are on the Lower East Side). Both the Senate and Assembly passed budget proposals yesterday, rejected Governor Cuomo’s decision to shift federal funding away from senior programs. According to a news release from Speaker Sheldon Silver:
The $133 billion Assembly budget proposal… restores $36 million and rejects the executive budget proposal to redirect Title XX discretionary funds typically allotted to these senior centers to local child welfare services… (and) protects several senior programs slated for elimination in the executive budget by restoring 75 percent for programs.
In a statement today, the Council for Senior Centers and Services said, “Advocacy efforts to save senior centers have forced elected leaders to take action.” While praising the votes in Albany, the advocacy organization declared the “fight is not over” until Governor Cuomo agrees, in negotiations, to restore the funding.
