THE RIGHT TO A SECURE RETIREMENT AND SUPPORTING OUR SENIORS

It is unacceptable that in the wealthiest city in the history of the world that thousands of seniors are living in poverty. We must protect the most vulnerable in this community and make sure they have access to the help they need. Our senior citizens deserve to live with dignity and support. COVID-19 exposed the lack of adequate services for our senior population.  

District 29 has one of the highest concentrations of seniors in the city – with real needs for affordable housing and healthcare services, including mental health, as well as those struggling with food insecurity. 

As a City Council Member, I have been working to expand Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs), and increase services to our senior centers, which provide vital and enriched programming that includes comprehensive social services for this vulnerable group. Additionally, I will continue to work with the relevant government agencies on a comprehensive senior safety agenda that addresses the issues of elder abuse and multiple scams that have targeted our senior citizens since the pandemic.

• Increase support for obtaining Social Security benefits for all recipients 

• Expand NORCs and increase senior services

• Guarantee home and community based long-term care services for all New Yorkers

• Protect our most vulnerable seniors by increasing funding for senior centers and expanding other programs seniors rely on

• Expand and train the home aide care workforce we need to provide support for our growing senior population

• Enhance the rights of retirees