Daniel Squadron​ Calls For Additional Funding For New York Senior Centers

LOWER EAST SIDE, NY — State Senator Daniel Squadron toured senior centers in his district on Thursday to draw attention to a state budget proposal that Squadron says would cut critical funding for elderly New Yorkers.

Squadron, who was joined by Assemblymember Yuh-Line Niou, visited centers in Chinatown, the Lower East Side and Tribeca on Thursday, informing seniors of the budget proposal and encouraging constituents to sign a petition to encourage other state senators to find replacement funds. More than 300 people have signed Squadron's petition, according to his office. The current budget proposal redirects more than $17 million in discretionary funds away from senior centers and toward other projects. The proposal includes no replacement source for senior centers to acquire that funding, Squadron said.

"Forcing centers to close or cut services would essentially leave seniors out in the cold, plain and simple," Squadron said in a statement. "I urge Senate Leadership and my Assembly colleagues to ensure funding is protected."

Niou is leading an simultaneous push in the New York state assembly to call for an additional $5.95 million for programs that provide services for elderly New Yorkers.

"My office received dozens of calls and letters from seniors worried about potential cuts to centers, and it is critical that we don't let them down," Niou said in a statement.

Squadron's petition is available here.

Lead image via Ciara McCarthy/Patch.