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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko cheered the Biden Administration’s announcement of $81,983,765 in funding to New York State under the Older Americans Act programs as part of the American Rescue Plan he helped pass. 

“As the American Rescue Plan continues to provide a lifeline for families, workers and small businesses, it is critical that our seniors—hit especially hard by this pandemic—receive the support and care they need,” Congressman Tonko said. “My colleagues and I fought hard to ensure that they would not be left behind. The funding delivered in our COVID rescue will address the health and economic needs of our seniors, help family caregivers support their loved ones and provide the resources necessary to ensure Americans age with dignity. I’m grateful to the strong leadership by this Administration to ensure that our seniors in New York and across the nation are supported through this crisis.”

As Older Americans Month begins, this funding focuses on programs to support New York seniors, with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including:

• $43,578,864 for meals for older adults in New York;
• $26,727,905 for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) through the Older Americans Act, supporting older Americans to age with dignity and safety in their homes and communities;
• $2,556,582 for evidence-based health promotion and disease prevention;
• $8,540,130 to help family caregivers support their loved ones; and
• $581,041 to safeguard the health and welfare of residents in New York’s long-term care facilities.

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