The New York State Senate today passed legislation (S2149) supported by Joe Robach, that would create a farm-to-senior program to promote the purchase of New York State farm products by senior centers and other institutions for the aging.

The program would replicate a similar effort, the farm-to-school program, which was established in 2002 to enable schools to purchase locally-grown farm produce for school children. Joe Robach believes that the bill would give that same access to seniors.

This bill, supported by Joe Robach, would help facilitate a working relationship between the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Office for the Aging, local senior centers and institutions for the aging for the purchasing and promotion of farmers’ products. This would include the development of a promotional event called “The New York Golden Harvest: Seniors Week” to connect local agriculture and foods to seniors at senior centers, farms, farmers’ markets and other locations in the community.

The state would also work on maximizing the use of government funding for senior meals to purchase nutritious, locally produced foods to benefit the health of seniors and the local economy. One method to achieve this could be through the creation of a website to easily identify sellers, buyers, and available products for senior center food service directors and marketers of New York farm products.

The bill was sent to the Assembly. Fore more information on any seniors initiatives, contact the office of Joe Robach.

The New York State Senate, with the support of Joe Robach, gave final passage to a bill that would help make it easier and less expensive for legal guardians caring for seniors or other elderly relatives living out-of-state to carry out their responsibilities. This is one of many bills supported by Joe Robach which would help our seniors.

The measure (S2534) assists New Yorkers caring for adults in other states, as well as out-of-state individuals caring for elderly New Yorkers when they seek approval to fulfill health care, financial, and other legal responsibilities across state lines. It would create a registration form that would be used uniformly by participating states and replace a costly legal process that often required guardians to hire lawyers.

If signed into law, New York would become the 37th state to adopt a uniform standard for out-of-state legal guardianship of the elderly seniors.

Specifically, the bill, which is supported by the AARP, would:
> Make it easier to enforce protective and guardianship orders by authorizing guardians or conservators to register their New York orders in other states;
> Create a process to transfer a guardianship or conservatorship to another state and for accepting a transfer. This would help eliminate the expense and delay of starting a new proceeding;
> Establish a process to determine which state has jurisdiction to appoint a guardian or conservator if there is a conflict; and
> Protect the elderly from abuse and “granny snatching” by preventing someone from wrongfully taking control and assets from an elder, taking the elder across state lines and being named a guardian. In these situations, courts could decline the guardianship due to unjustifiable conduct and penalize abusers.

The bill will be sent to the Governor for his consideration for signing it into law. For more information on initiatives supporting seniors, contact Joe Robach.

Recently, Rochester’s stat delegation, led by Joe Robach, voted to boost financial support for seniors by increasing the funding for Elder Abuse Prevention to $750,000. Joe Robach is proud to be a part of the group that voted in favor of this proposal. This is an unprecedented level of funding for this program and Ann Marie Cook, President/ CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, recently held a ceremony to personally thank the Rochester delegation for their hard work and dedication in securing this level of funding for a program this is vital to the well being of senior citizens in our area.

“Elder abuse touches too many people, literally hundreds of thousands of older New Yorkers each year,” Cook said. “With the support of the Governor and the Rochester delegation, Lifespan will be able to continue our work to protect older adults from financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect and emotional abuse that is far too hidden from view. On behalf of all the people we advocate for, I want to thank our leaders in Albany for standing up for older adults.”

Our seniors have done so much to help their families and help to make the world a better place,” said Senator Joe Robach. “Not only is it critically important, but absolutely the right course of action to put safeguards in place to protect their dignity and make sure they are not abused. This funding will go a long way to ensuring that occurs in our community.”

Since 1998, Lifespan has been involved in thousands of elder abuse/mistreatment cases and trained more than 25,000 professionals from Buffalo to Brooklyn to recognize elder abuse and what steps to take when it is identified. Joe Robach has been a longtime advocate for our senior population and understands how important it is that they are not only cared for, but also that funding for the services they rely daily upon continues to be implemented in the budget each year.

Registration is underway for the 2013 Empire State Senior Games. The Empire State Senior Games is an planned sports and leisure program for those age 50 and older which provides recreational opportunities, encourages fitness as a life-long activity, promotes the positive image of seniors, combines sports and games with fitness, fun and fellowship, and advocates true competition in its purest form.  Joe Robach has been a long time supporter of the Empire State Senior Games and believes the secret to longevity is to stay active throughout our lives.

This year, the Senior Games will fun from June 2-9, 2013 in Cortland, NY.  Participants must be at least 50 years of age on or before December 31, 2013, and a New York State Resident.  There are 9 age categories: 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+.  Joe Robach encourages not only his constituents who are seniors, but all seniors of Monroe County to register for this outstanding event.  To register, log onto www.nyseniorgames.com or contact their main office at 1-800-859-2227.

Some of the events included in this years Empire State Senior Games include: The Triathalon, Golf, Pickleball, Shuffleboard, Badminton, Bowling, a 5k Road Race, Tennis, Archery, Raquetball, Cycling, and Ping Pong.  There are currently two options for lodging while in Cortland.  Participants my use the Residence Halls at Suny Cortland.  The fee is $32.00 per night for a single room, or $27.00 per night for a double room.  Participants also have the option of staying at the host hotel, Country Inn & Suites with a nightly cost of $109 per person.  As someone who has been a longtime advocate for seniors in the Rochester community, Joe Robach has long admired seniors who prepare and train for these games.  Joe Robach hopes someday he has the ability to partake in the Empire State Senior Games.

In Monroe County, March has been designated as the month to “Raise Awareness of Senior Hunger.”  Today, Wednesday, March 20, 2013, Meals On Wheels and Senator Joe Robach are participating in the debut of “March for Meals Jeans Day” for seniors.  Joe Robach has and will continue to fight to ensure seniors are receiving the proper nutrition.  Across the country, 8.3 million seniors in the United States face the threat of hunger. In Monroe County, we currently have more than 150 seniors waiting for subsidized, home delivered meals.  This is a problem that can be, and will be resolved here in Rochester.

For many which are considered part of the Greatest Generation, senior hunger is an issue in which many individuals are too proud to admit they are struggling with.  Often times the senior may not even tell his or her family as they would almost feel as if they are letting down their sons or daughters.  We as a society must ensure that seniors are getting the proper nutrition their bodies need, and we must figure out different ways to bring the issue to the limelight. Today, “March for Meals Jeans Day,” is a giant step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.

Today, many organization throughout Monroe County are will be involved in March for Meals Jeans Day.  Employees within the organization may purchase a “March for Meals” sticker for a suggested donation of $5.00, which will also enable that particular employee to wear jeans or casual clothing to work.  Throughout his many years of public service, Joe Robach has witnessed firsthand just how much of an issue senior hungry truly is, not only here in New York State, but throughout the Country.  For every $1,000 raised today, an additional 200 meals can be served to low-income seniors in Monroe County.  Joe Robach is committed to helping improve the lives of the many seniors here in Monroe County.

Joe Robach and the Republican Senate have recently passed a piece of legislation which would crack down on the black market of prescription drugs which puts patients at risk and rips off Senior taxpayers through Medicaid fraud. This legislation was sponsored by Senator Kemp Hannon and makes it a crime to sell and buy medications not being prescribed by a practicing doctor. By helping to fight this growing concern, Joe Robach believes this will help seniors who are currently struggling with rising pharmaceutical costs. By eliminating fraud, seniors will not see such a large fluctuation in cost of their medications.

As we have seen with much more frequency in the last few years, seniors have now resorted to selling their prescriptions just to make ends meet. Often times with the rising costs of prescription drugs, seniors will also just not purchase their medications in order to use those funds for food or housing. Joe Robach understands the need for seniors to have more affordable prescription drugs. It is extremely important that New York State continues to crack down on the illegal distribution and possession of prescription drugs so that seniors will be able to afford them.

Joe Robach has been a longtime advocate of seniors and has always believed that we as a society much do what is necessary so seniors can remain in their homes and their quality of life does not diminish. This piece of legislation is currently being sent to the New York State Assembly for a vote. As costs continue to rise throughout the country, Senator Joe Robach strongly believes we must ensure those costs are not passed down to our senior population. Joe Robach believes by allowing seniors to age in their homes, and keeping costs down, it will both improve their quality of life, and will save millions of dollars for our state and country.

Today, Senator Joe Robach of Rochester and Senate leadership unveiled a plan called the Family Tax Relief Act, designed to help both families and seniors. The most important portion of this bill is the restoration of the STAR Rebate Property Tax Rebate Checks to both middle class families and senior citizens. The STAR Tax Rebate Checks were cut by the Democratic led Senate in 2009. Joe Robach understands how important these checks were to families and believes the biggest blow was dealt to seniors. Don’t forget, many of these people are currently paying the highest property taxes in the country. This is a way to lessen the burden on not only the working class, but the senior population as well.

By restoring the STAR Tax Rebate Checks, there would be an additional $1.3 billion in tax relief. The average statewide rebate check would be $445. The average enhanced STAR rebate check for seniors would be $460. In a time when many seniors are being taxed out of their homes and working families are struggling to make ends meet, Joe Robach and the entire Senate majority understand just how important this tax relief would be to so many people in our state.

This recent proposal is one that would build on many positive steps that have been taken in the last few years to help bring relief to the taxpayers of New York State. The 2% Tax Cap which was passed in Governor Cuomo’s first year office, was a major move in the right direction. This legislation helped to put the brakes on increasing property taxes. There was also legislation in 2011 that cut which gave the overwhelming majority of residents in New York State the lowest tax rates in over fifty years. Senator Joe Robach knows times continue to be difficult for seniors and is currently working with Senate colleagues to help ease the tax burden on our largest segment of the population.

With the cold weather upon us, Joe Robach’s office has a few helpful tips for seniors in order to stay warm and safe.

Don’t stay outside too long. The cold weather can be nice, although if you stay outside too long it can be hazardous to your health causing you to have frostbite or even hypothermia. Go in and out in order to keep yourself warm and avoid any harm to your body.

Check the weather beforehand. Certain details like the low of the day and whether it will snow or rain, can help you figure out how to dress and what kind of activities to plan.

Check the weather forecast for the whole week, so you can be prepared for the cold days in advance. The cold weather can be nice, although if you stay outside too long it can be hazardous to your health causing you to have frostbite or even hypothermia.

Think about the activities you’re doing. Choose your activities wisely. Try to do things that won’t be affected by the cold weather. For example, anything indoors is fine including going to the movies or bowling. You could also do things that involve the cold weather, such as ice skating.

Dress appropriately. If you’re going to be out in the extreme cold, wear as much warm clothing as possible. Try to dress in layers so that you can add or remove clothes throughout the day. If it’s not too cold, then you can just take clothes off rather than good items of clothing for the cold weather might include:

• Thermals. You can buy thermal clothing simply wear them under your clothes. Thermals are great for layers and extreme cold. Long socks or leg warmers. These will keep your legs warm more closely, rather than just wearing pants and ordinary socks. Plus, nobody will see them when you wear pants.• Jackets. A good, thick zip up jacket is perfect for cold weather. It’s warm, but also easy to put on and off. Other accessories such as gloves, scarves and beanies are essential due to a majority of your body heat is released from your head.

Be prepared for all conditions. • If you are outside remember to wear shoes with excellent grip for icy and slippery conditions. • Wear mittens and long thick socks. These protect your hands and feet from the cold, which are the hardest places to keep warm blood flowing during cold weather conditions • If you’re dressed for work, going to the gym, or have to wait for outside for transportation then wearing a polar fleece or sweatshirt that zips on works great. They zip on and off quickly and don’t have to worry about getting too hot or cold.

For more information or tips for seniors, contact the office of Joe Robach.

Recently, Senator Joe Robach and The New York State Senate passed legislation to simplify the process for seniors and other homeowners to apply for their STAR property tax exemption. This legislation would eliminate the mandate that senior citizens must show proof of income each year for their exemption. Joe Robach fully supports this legislation to help seniors and understands the state must continue to simplify many of their processes. Instead of the responsibility being on the senior, this bill will now place the responsibility on the taxing authority.

Removing this layer of buracracy will allow more seniors to control and manage their own finances. Many seniors in Monroe County have claimed for years something had to be done to eliminate this level of government. Senator Robach will continue to working on behalf of the many seniors in his district to ensure their voices are being heard in state government.

Another bill that is currently being discussed in the senate (S3576) would allow local tax assessors to accept late applications for all exemptions without penalty. They would be able to accept paperwork up to the last day that a taxpay can pay the first half of their taxes. For too long, many residents in New York have argued that our state has far to many deadlines which result in residents becoming confused and not filing paperwork on time. This legislation eliminates the confusing deadlines, and enables taxpayers to receive all the tax relief they are eligible for.

Until that bills is passed, the current deadline for all paperwork must be submitted by March 1st.  If residents do not have the necessary paperwork filed for their STAR exemptions, they would not be able to get it for their 2013 tax bill.  There are three levels of the STAR exemption.  First, there is basic STAR which most residents receive.  The other is the Senior STAR which if you make over roughly $30k per year and are 65 years of age or older, you receive this.  Finally, there is enhanced STAR for residents over 65 years old and make less than $30k per year.

As the economy has continued to struggle for the last several years, it has resulted in lower incomes for not only the working population, but also the senior population.  As each year passes, salaries have continued to decrease, putting more seniors in harm’s way when it comes to hunger.  More than ever, the senior population in the United States struggles with hunger.  Roughly one in seven seniors is currently struggling to provide food for both their families and themselves. Joe Robach understands this is a major issue for local seniors and has continued to find ways to fight against this issue. 

Recently Monroe County, in partnership with New York State and local Friendly’s restaurants has created a social program for seniors which allows them to receive one-third of their daily nutritional needs with a recommended donation of $3.00 per meal, and also allows them to engage with other seniors.  Friendly’s Restaurants, located on both sides of the city, allowing all Monroe County seniors an opportunity to take advantage of this great program.  There are currently three locations; Friendly’s at Greece Ridge Center Mall, Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 am-11am, 2425 West Henrietta Road, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-11am, and 1292 Fairport Road, Tuesdays and Fridays from 8am-11am.  Joe Robach has worked with seniors for many years and has constantly fought for better access to nourishing meals for seniors.  These three locations do just that.

Hunger within the city limits is at an even higher rate than that of the suburbs.  In the near future, Monroe County will most likely be unveiling a new location where seniors will be able to access these services at such a low cost.  Joe Robach has met with many seniors within the city and knows just how important of a service this would be.  Funding for this program is a federally funded and is administered through each individual county.  At the state level, Senate Republicans understand the severity of this issue and will continue to do all that is necessary to ensure proper attention is being paid to this major issue.