NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul amended legislation for a program administered by the state’s Office for the Aging, which directs funding and services to elderly residents facing great social needs, to include members of the LGBTQ community.
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"As Governor, one of my top priorities is making sure all New Yorkers receive the care and help they need regardless of their identity," Hochul said. "There is drastic inequity in physical and mental care for older adults in the LGBTQ community, and this legislation is an important step in addressing those inequities while helping ensure LGBTQ older New Yorkers receive the same respect and support as anyone else in the state."
Under the current federal law, the Older Americans Act of 1965 targets people in rural areas, those with several disabilities, limited English proficiency, Alzheimer's and related disorders, those at risk for institutional placement ,people with the high economic need and those with the greatest social need. It did not, however, specifically cover LGBTQ adults.
Since LGBTQ older adults often lack traditional sources of support and caregiving as well as tend to have poorer physical and mental health and higher rates of poverty than their non-LGBTQ counterparts, the allocation of the funds to the community is necessary.
The new legislation will now mean the OAA will consider a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression as well as HIV status on their ability to perform daily tasks. Funds and services will be directed to those in need to be able to live independently.
"I want to thank my colleague, Senator Hoylman and Governor Hochul for ensuring this important legislation becomes law,” Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson. “The Older American's Act affects everyone—older adults, people who help support them, and all of us who hope to one day grow old. It also underpins a promise to preserve the right to live independently, with dignity, making everyday decisions according to our individual preferences and goals across our lifespan. This promise is more important than ever, and this legislation will help fulfill that promise to many more New Yorkers."
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