MONTGOMERY, NY – The Orange County nonprofit community voiced its concerns about its most pressing issues to their New York State legislators at an open forum sponsored by Orange County United Way on March 11. Senator David Carlucci (38th Senate District-Orange/Rockland) and Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (98th Assembly District-Orange/Sullivan), along with Joe Ann Drake representing Senator John Bonacic (42nd Senate District-Delaware/Orange/Sullivan/Ulster), listened as the agency representatives took the opportunity to discuss a variety of topics, including Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget and its ramifications for each of their agencies; mental health services; residential, long-term care for seniors; prenatal care for low income families; housing; and the MTA tax. The agencies also cited their frustration with the State’s required paperwork; the cash flow problems that result when the State
delays its reimbursements to the agencies; and the lack of cooperation between State agencies in sharing the information provided by the agencies that can result in having to file duplicate reports.
The group also advocated for restoring block grants, fair housing; restoring funding to the Child Health Plus program; support for the Medicaid Design Team; and protecting women’s rights to health care. In addition, the nonprofits suggested that the representatives consider utilizing nonprofit agencies to provide services instead of the State, since many of the programs have proven to be more effective and cost efficient.
Orange County United Way President and Chief Professional Officer Judy Eurich was pleased with the turnout for this forum. “One of the goals of the United Way is to advocate for our nonprofits. Our local agencies asked us to arrange these forums to allow them to voice their concerns and frustrations with Albany. These forums allow an excellent exchange between our elected officials and their constituents and we hope to continue them into the future,” she stated.
Eurich said the State officials noted that the forums gave them an opportunity to meet with many organizations at one time. Their schedules do not always allow for private sessions, and this forum presented them with many areas of concern for follow-up.
Orange County United Way is a nonprofit organization that funds programs and projects that help children and youth succeed, promote financial stability, and promote health and well-being. United Way also provides Targeted Care grants for projects that positively impact the community. Orange County United Way makes a measurable difference in people’s lives by securing resources and developing relationships to build a stronger, more vibrant community. For more information about ways to help your community through Orange County United Way or for a list of the programs United Way funds, call (845) 457-4774 or log onto www.uwoc.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyUnitedWayNY, and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ocunitedway.
