Res. No. 437 Title Resolution calling for the budget of the New York City Department for the Aging to be protected from budget reductions in fiscal year 2003 and in future fiscal years, and for there to be a baseline funding level in future fiscal years not lower than the total budget for fiscal year 2003. Body By Council Members Barron, Comrie, Dilan, Foster, Lopez, Martinez, Monserrate, Nelson and Rivera Whereas, The New York City Department for the Aging's mission is "to work for the empowerment, independence, dignity and quality of life of New York City's diverse older adults and for the support of their families through advocacy, education and the coordination and delivery of services;" and Whereas, Those served by the Department for the Aging ("DFTA") are many of the 1.3 million New York City residents over the age of 60; and Whereas, DFTA's budget for fiscal year 2003 is approximately $224 million, 70% of which is from City tax levy dollars; and Whereas, DFTA receives significantly fewer Federal and State funds as compared to City funds-21.2% from the Federal government and 8.75% from the State government; and Whereas, There is no legal mandate for senior services funded under DFTA, and therefore, most of the services for seniors in the City of New York-including meals, transportation, case management for the homebound, and home care, among other services-rely on discretionary funding; and Whereas, In addition to meals, transportation, case management for the homebound, and home care, DFTA funds and administers senior centers, provides counseling and referral services for families of elderly Alzheimer's disease patients, places low-income workers aged fifty-five and older in part-time employment, funds foster grandparents and intergenerational programs, assists victims of elder abuse, offers assistance with benefits and information, and administers the Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program; and Whereas, The lack of a legal mandate for senior services, coupled with DFTA's heavy reliance upon City tax levy funding, would make the consequences of budgetary reductions to DFTA in any fiscal year unduly severe, as there would be uncertainty in the provision of services upon which hundreds of thousands of senior citizens greatly depend on a daily basis; and Whereas, The population of older adults in New York City has grown in recent years, and continued growth is expected, in that "baby boomers" begin to turn sixty in 2006; and Whereas, Our senior citizens represent not only one of the most vulnerable communities in our City but also a valuable resource of knowledge, wisdom, and energy, and the services provided by DFTA are an important factor in the quality of their lives; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls for the budget of the New York City Department for the Aging to be protected from budget reductions in fiscal year 2003 and in future fiscal years, and for there to be a baseline funding level in future fiscal years not lower than the total budget for fiscal year 2003. LS #949 CAB |10
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