CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE ANNOUNCES OVER $163 MILLION TO SUPPORT OLDER AMERICANS IN NEW YORK STATE

(Rochester, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced the release of over $163 million in funding for critical programs supporting older Americans in New York State as part of the American Rescue Plan, which he helped pass.

"This pandemic has disproportionately impacted older Americans and the services they rely on to age comfortably with the dignity they deserve," said Rep. Morelle. "This funding from the American Rescue Plan will address the critical health and economic needs of our aging community, including access to vaccines, caregiver support, mental health resources, and more. I'm proud to have helped deliver this essential support for older Americans across New York State, and I'll continue fighting to ensure they're never left behind."

This funding comes at the start of Older Americans Month and strengthens programs to support New York seniors, with an emphasis on much-needed pandemic relief, including:

• $43,578,108 for meals for older adults in New York;
• $26,272,905 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 in New York;
• $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.

Rep. Morelle and his partners in the House of Representatives have led the fight to deliver much needed help to seniors and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to this funding, Rep. Morelle and his colleagues took action to ensure critical investments in the health, safety and financial security of older Americans by increasing funding to vaccinate New York seniors, ensure they can afford their homes and utilities, put food on the table and more.

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