New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen told a joint legislative hearing on February 5 that Governor Kathy Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2027 Executive State Budget makes what his agency called historic investments in older New Yorkers, prioritizing affordability and public safety measures across programs. The agency said the fiscal plan continues efforts to make New York safer and more affordable while expanding community-based programs and services meant to promote aging with dignity and independence.
According to the Office for the Aging, the governor’s budget proposes to expand the Naturally Occurring Retirement Community model, broaden efforts to combat financial fraud and scams targeting older adults, and streamline access to benefits. The agency framed those measures as part of a broader push to support older residents who want to age in their communities of choice and to provide direct services to the people who care for them.
“Governor Hochul continues to deliver for all New Yorkers, recognizing that older adults bring enormous economic and social value to their families, their communities, and the economy,” Olsen said in the testimony, according to the agency. “This fiscal plan promotes opportunity and economic security for older New Yorkers, caregivers, and families alike. It provides critical support services to help older New Yorkers age in their communities of choice and support those who care for them with direct services.”
Olsen added that the governor’s focus on affordability “delivers yet again for individuals of all ages to help assure the continued success of older adults and their families across the lifespan,” the office said. The agency’s news release included a contact for additional information, listing spokesperson Roger Noyes, and pointed to the full text of the budget testimony on its website.
The full testimony delivered to the joint legislative hearing is posted by the New York State Office for the Aging on its website.
