ACTION ALERT
FEBRUARY 26, 2003

PROPOSED $8 MILLION CUT TO THE 
DEPARTMENT FOR THE AGING FOR THE FY04 BUDGET 

BRING LOTS OF SENIORS TO CITY HALL TO THE AGING COMMITTEE BUDGET HEARING AT 1:00 ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH

• As reported in the news, the Bloomberg administration is asking for a 9.5% cut of city agencies for FY04 (July 1, 2003) which is about an $8 million proposed cut for DFTA. At this time, CSCS does not know what the proposed cuts will be.

• Mayor Michael Bloomberg restored $21 million of proposed cuts to DFTA in January showing his commitment to aging services. We need to remain vigilant that the elderly do not lose services they depend upon.

• City Council has restored proposed cuts over the past year showing their commitment to aging services. It is important to continue to work with City Council to ensure that funding for the elderly remains intact.

In preparation for the Committee on Aging hearing, March 5th, 1:00, at City Hall, CSCS is sending its membership the FY2004 city agenda:

1. Retain the $21 million in restorations to agencies contracting with the Department for the Aging and restore the $8 million proposed cut

2. Salary increases for the aging services workforce - (funding amounts unknown at present)

   1. Fund salary increases for the aging services workforce which has not received an increase since April, 1999

   2. Fund the salary increase for EISEP home care workers as legislated by the Living Wage bill enacted by City Council

3. Restore funding for the Safe Streets/Elderly Crime Victims program - $2.2 million

4. Restore funding for English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at senior centers throughout the city - $500,000

5. Capital funds - restore funding for independent senior housing and affordable assisted living projects

CSCS' January 29th action alert listed the $21 million in restorations made by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. A copy of the alert can be found on www.cscs-ny.org

• It is important to bring as many seniors as possible to City Hall on March 5th in order to ensure that the restorations hold and DFTA does not take any cuts. With the state budget deficit and the city economy doing poorly, it is critical to have seniors continue to advocate for services. Seniors are encouraged to testify.

• Hearing begins at 1:00 with Commissioner Ed Mendez Santiago testifying. 2:00 is public testimony (3 minutes each). Sign up to testify at the hearing.

CSCS will keep you updated on the budget. For further information, please call Bobbie Sackman, (212) 398-6565, ext. 226

CSCS - FIGHTING FOR YOU EVERY DAY!