Blog

Nearly 80 participants from across New York joined together for NYSARA’s Annual Convention in Latham, Sept. 4 to hear a wide range of speakers, elect NYSARA’s statewide officers and gain practical insight to help strengthen the organization’s efforts on behalf of older New Yorkers.

NYSUT Vice President and NYSARA Board member Ron Gross welcomed delegates and helped set the tone for the meeting which was focused on sharing valuable information, gaining practical insight about impactful action and inspiring activism.

Delegates also heard a video welcome from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand who has worked closely with the Alliance and plays a central role on behalf of Seniors in the the Senate and beyond. Ravi Reddi, a member of her senior staff was also in attendance and he spoke with delegates about key issues and how to gain important information on an ongoing basis and communicate with the Senator’s office.

Alliance for Retired Americans President Robert Roach, who stressed that he is a native New Yorker, delivered the keynote address providing detail about the ARA’s recent activities in Washington and across the nation to stand up for the well-being of seniors.

Roach was followed by Greg Olsen, acting Director of the NYS Office for the Aging who provided a sobering perspective on the value that seniors bring to NYS and the nation and the ways that health care, senior programs, and food assistance will be undermined by the recent passage of the misnamed Big Beautiful Bill by putting hospital funding, Medicaid. Medicare, SNAP and even Social Security at risk to name a few areas of harm. Important further actions are in play in the coming months as Congress runs the risk of a a government funding shutdown.

New York State Senator Pat Fahy who chairs the Senate Disabilities Committee and represents the 46th Senate District in the Capital Region, also offered comments about the challenges that New Yorkers face as a direct result the recent federal legislation. She urged NYSARA members to learn the facts stand together in the challenging months ahead.

NYSARA President Barry Kaufman presented a detailed explanation about the federal actions and the harm it will inflict on seniors and others and provided a framework for NYSARA efforts to fight back. NYSARA Executive Director Stephen Madarasz offered a complementary talk about Difficult

Conversations in Difficult Times. It offered a practical plan for how to deliver an effective message to those who might not agree with you.

NYSARA’s chapter leaders updated delegates on activities across the state.

Delegates also re-elected President Barry Kaufmann, Vice President Paul Schue and Treasurer Gary Lanahan as statewide officers. The position of statewide secretary remains vacant.