Issues: Aging

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo unveiled the proposed 2013-14Executive Budget and Management Plan that builds on two years of balanced, fiscally responsible budgeting and invests in economic development, education reform, rebuilding after Superstorm Sandy, provides support to local governments and school districts, and includes no new taxes or fees.

Highlights of the Executive Budget:

· Eliminates $1.3 billion budget gap with no new taxes or fees. The expected gap for 2013-14 was projected to be $17.4 billion prior to the last two responsible budgets.

· Holds spending increases below 2 percent for third consecutive year.

Queens, NY, January 22, 2013 – NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., is co-sponsoring a “Changes to EPIC”  lecture at 1 PM on February 7 at Nativity B.V.M./St.

The NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) announced that beginning January 2, eligible low-income New Yorkers who are in danger of having their heat shut off or running out of fuel, can apply for emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefits.

HEAP, overseen by OTDA, is a federally-funded program to help eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. Eligible households can receive one regular HEAP benefit per season, but may also be eligible for a one-time emergency HEAP benefit if they are in danger of running out of fuel or having their heat or heat-related utility service shut off.

In the wake of Superstorm Sandy,  the New York State Bar Association has been working with local bar associations throughout the affected area to coordinate relief efforts. The Bar Association held a free continuing legal education program focusing on disaster recovery issues, and a webcast of that event and the educational materials that accompanied it are available online at www.nysba.org/superstormsandyfreeclelink. Information about these and other storm relief efforts and recovery resources is available at www.nysba.org/sandy.

State Senator Patty Ritchie made a visit on Halloween to the residents at Bishop’s Commons in Oswego.