The impact of the proposed federal and state budgets for 2012-2013 on seniors was the main topic at the annual Legislative Speak-Out and Breakfast recently at the Westchester County Center, attended by County Executive Robert P. Astorino and other officials.
More than 140 people attended the event, which is co-sponsored by Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services, and in conjunction with County Legislator Bernice Spreckman of Yonkers.
Astorino said it is vitally important to him that Westchester be affordable for seniors that they can continue to live in the county after they retire.
"Seniors are the heart and soul of what makes Westchester so special," he said. "We've worked alongside the Department of Senior Programs and Services for many years to champion issues that affect their quality of life."
Astorino cited the positive impact of DSPS' Livable Communities initiative, which helps to enable seniors to continue to live in their homes as they age. In particular, he mentioned the initiative's Caregiver Coach program and its "CareCircle: Step Forward & Give Back " program, which trained its first group of volunteers earlier this week.
The county executive also pointed out that neither Bee-Line bus rates nor property taxes -- the highest in the United States - increased this year - still other examples of how the county has been able to control costs.
Astorino added, however, that he is all too aware that Westchester's property taxes continue to make it tough if not impossible for large numberrs of seniors to live in the county - especially after they retire.
"Many seniors told me that they paid off their mortgages but can't afford to stay in their homes," he said.
The Speak-Out is a special opportunity to advocate for aging services. Participants were able to ask questions on topics that range from Social Security to health care reform, taxes and mental health services.
A calendar of senior programs scheduled for 2012 was distributed.This is important because the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services is preparing an online “Sponsorship Opportunity” booklet that will be continuously updated and used to solicit financial support for needed programs.