New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) has introduced two Senate Bills - S3167 and S3170 - which have been voted out of the Senate Aging Committee today and will hopefully be approved by the Senate this session.
Senate Bill S3167 will amend the State’s elder law in relation to providing companion pets for senior citizens. This senior pet companionship plan will improve the lives of many seniors by enhancing their emotional and mental well-being through such companionship with cats and dogs and other small animals.
Senate Bill S3170 will create an optional shared housing program for seniors. This legislation will offer seniors the option to share living space with other eligible seniors in order to provide companionship as well as to assist with cost of living expenses.
"I am pleased that once again our efforts in the Senate will be able to offer some improvement and comfort for the lives of our senior citizens," stated Senator Rev. Diaz. "It is out of great respect and honor for our seniors for all they have done for us and for our City that I will continue to fight for their rights in The Bronx, the City and the State of New York."
Senator Rev. Diaz has a longstanding history of dedicating his life to enhancing the lives of our elderly. While he was a Member of the New York City Council, he served as the Chair of the City Council Aging Committee. Now in the New York State Senate, he serves as the Chair of the Senate Minority Task Force on Senior Issues and as the Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Aging Committee.
In political circles, Senator Rev. Diaz has been known as "Mr. Senior Citizen" for his leadership on and dedication to senior issues.
For further information, please contact Senator Diaz at 518/455-2511.
