Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside), Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing), and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows) announced that the recently adopted state budget rejected Governor Cuomo’s proposed cuts to senior centers in New York City. In February, Assemblyman Braunstein, Senator Stavisky, and Assemblywoman Rozic held a rally to protest the Governor’s budget proposal redirecting Title XX funding that is used to support senior centers to other budgetary purposes. If NYC was mandated to allocate the Title XX funds for other expenses, $17 million in funding would have been lost and 65 senior centers would have been forced to close.

“I am relieved that the state budget rejected Governor Cuomo’s proposal to redirect Title XX funding that is used to support senior centers to other budgetary purposes. Restoring this funding prevented 65 senior centers in New York City from closing, which would have had a devastating impact on thousands of seniors,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

“Senior centers are an important part of many seniors’ day, acting as a source for socializing and education. I am happy to see funds were restored to our senior centers in this year’s budget and I wish to thank each and every person who called my office, came to meetings, signed petitions and reached out to the governor’s office to ensure Title XX funding was included in the 2017-2018 Fiscal Year Budget,” State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said. “I also wish to thank my colleague Assemblyman Edward Braunstein for leading the fight and protecting senior citizens.”

"I am thrilled to announce that in this year's budget we were able to preserve the vital Title XX funding that our seniors rely on every day," Assemblywoman Rozic said. "Senior centers provide continued education, meal services, friendship and more to an integral part of our community. The Assembly was proud to stand with our seniors in ensuring these cuts did not happen in this budget."