The Senator’s Op-Ed: A Focus On Bills And Resources For Harlem Seniors

By State Senator Cordell Cleare

In the 2024 State of New York Legislative Session, as I represent our district, and as the Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Aging–I passed 60 Bills, including a number of measures designed to empower our Older New Yorkers’ quality of life.  

 As a population, older New Yorkers are the fastest-growing demographic group in our entire State. As such, they need our total and thoughtful support. 

My National Senior Citizen Day in Harlem (Wednesday, August 28th, 2024), is regarded as one of the highlight events of the season. I am once again inviting the community to enjoy my 3rd annual National Senior Day in Harlem on The Plaza of the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building.

There will be important information on resources and services from a variety of topics from city, state, and federal agencies and community organizations that will be disseminated. Representatives will also be tabling to answer questions and share information. There will be demonstrations, performances, games, food, music, and a variety of speakers, presentations, giveaways, and educational and fun activities. This is all for and about our Older New Yorkers. I will draw specific attention to four bills that passed both houses and await the Governor’s signature, including:

S865, which relates to the application for the medicare savings program; ensuring that those who sign up for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefits are automatically enrolled for the Medicare Savings Program at the very same time.

S8760A, relates to the automatic identification of elderly pharmaceutical insurance coverage participants who are eligible for HEAP; ensuring that those who already qualify for the EPIC low-cost prescription drug program automatically get enrolled for HEAP Cooling and Heating Benefits.

• Meta Introduces Instagram Teen Accounts To Boost Online Safety For Teens
• Frederick Douglass-Inspired Musical Drama Arranged By Orrin Evans Premieres At Hudson Hall
• Sponsored Love: Ibiza’s Premier Luxury Beach Clubs And Resorts For An Unforgettable Holiday
• Sponsored Love: Rare Carat, Best Place To Buy Diamond Wedding Rings
• How To Protect Your Eyes During Travel With Prescription Sunglasses?

S8865 – Relates to quality improvement and increased consumer transparency in assisted living residences; this bill ensures that consumers have care and cost information at their fingertips when deciding whether to place their loved one into Assisted Living.

S9356 – Relates to social model adult day services programs; ensuring that SOFA is able to monitor and hold them accountable.

Our seniors are the backbone and the foundation upon which our families and communities are built. We strive to offer every degree of assistance to help them in their daily lives for the betterment of the quality of their lives.

Therefore I have advocated to advance programs and policies such as Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Reduced Fare Metrocards and OMNY cards, free bus lines like the M116, Access-A-Ride, Community Board Senior Advisory Committees, Food Pantries in our district, more focus on scams, consumer complaints, the Elder Abuse Hotline, help with living wills, housing, and legal assistance.

For the last three years, my office has published an updated and Resource Guide designed as a comprehensive directory of services available to seniors, with a specific focus on many providers in the Senate District 30 catchment area.

Our National Senior Citizens Day on Wednesday, August 28, will take place on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Plaza, 163 West 125th Street (between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd./7th Avenue, and Malcolm X Blvd. – Lenox Avenue) from 11 am – 6 pm. This is all for and about our Older New Yorkers. See you there!

To get more information log on to: https://www.nysenate.gov/calendar/events/cordell-cleare/august-28-2024/national-senior-citizen-day-harlem

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare

New York State Senator Cordell Cleare was raised in Harlem and her family has lived there for four generations.   Cleare is a product of the New York City public schools, including Brooklyn Technical High School.  Today, she is best known for her fight for Reparations, Truly Affordable Housing, Quality Schools & Equitable Education, Access to Healthy Foods as well as Economic, Environmental, Restorative and Racial Justice. She entered the New York State Senate on an express train from Upper Manhattan, bringing fresh ideas and legislative proposals to make New York, the state of the whole people. https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/cordell-cleare