Help seniors stay in their homes and get care

In Manhattan, Governor Hochul’s commitment to enhancing affordability brings a sigh of relief to families throughout New York, particularly to the increasing cohort of older adults striving to stay safely housed, healthy, and integrated within their communities. The governor’s dedication to prioritizing the needs of the aging population and her initiatives for a more inclusive New York are indeed commendable.

Statewide, a significant number of seniors are grappling with fixed incomes amidst the backdrop of rising rents, healthcare expenses, and soaring food costs. Alarmingly, over one-third of senior households in New York face housing insecurity, while advocates suggest that up to half of the older population encounters some level of food insecurity. Such trends are unsustainable in a state that prides itself on dignity, fairness, and opportunity for all ages.

The introduction of the Master Plan for Aging last year represented a pivotal moment in acknowledging the importance of older adults. Notably, the governor’s pledge to inject an additional $250 million to expedite affordable housing projects—building on her ambitious five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan—is particularly encouraging. For seniors on fixed incomes, access to affordable housing paired with supportive services is not just about having a roof over their heads; it’s essential for their healthcare, stability, and dignity.

These efforts, coupled with renewed investments in aging-in-place models like naturally occurring retirement communities, non-medical in-home services, and the CAPABLE program, aim to ensure that older New Yorkers can remain in their homes and communities. This approach contributes to a more robust New York for everyone. Gayle Horwitz, CEO, Jewish Association Serving the Aging

Get a taste

In Freeport, Long Island, a response to Robert Brennan’s call for U.S. citizens protesting ICE crackdowns to support Iranian demonstrators for human rights adds another layer to the discourse. Christian Nationalists are encouraged to visit Iran to truly understand the impact of theocratic regimes, where a single religion’s doctrines govern the land. A word of advice for travelers: women should pack burqas and hijabs, and men might want to forgo ordering bacon-egg breakfast sandwiches. Bob Sterner

Defund his police

In Chestnut Ridge, New York, the actions of ICE agents have reached alarming levels of violence and lawlessness. Despite pledges from President Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino to purge the country of undocumented violent offenders, ICE’s aggressive raids on workplaces, schools, churches, and daycares reveal an agenda far removed from genuine law enforcement. The tragic case of Renee Nicole Good, who was neither a felon nor undocumented, underscores the dangers of ICE’s approach. Representative Mike Lawler’s attempts to equate both sides of Good’s murder and justify her killer’s actions will not go unnoticed by voters on Election Day. Unless he, alongside Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer, exercises their legislative power to rein in ICE’s unchecked activities through the upcoming DHS funding bill, the public’s memory of these events will persist. Julie Goldberg

Cowed Congress

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: So President Voldemort is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to prevent peaceful protest in Minneapolis. Why didn’t he do that on Jan. 6 instead of watching the assault on the U.S. Capitol and cheering from his office until it was obvious to all that the violent rioters had not inspired the revolution he had called for earlier in the day? Oh, that’s right, our transactional executive was actually hoping that his minions would succeed in hanging his vice president and executing a few members of Congress to show everyone who’s boss. What’s wrong with our Republican representatives? Are they still in hiding and afraid? It’s time for them to grow a set. They need to do their job for the people they’re supposed to represent and stop protecting their political careers — before it’s too late for us all. Michael Stella

Squandered sacrifice

Manhattan: Thanks to Voicer Pauline Graham Binder for asking if we Americans are going to follow Trump as he gets more and more like a dictator. Recently, my husband and I visited the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. Both our fathers fought in World War II against a government that had people seized off the streets, killed or given fake trials so they could be imprisoned or shot. As we looked at the more than 9,300 graves of young men who were killed within the invasion’s first day and a half, I wondered if they would believe what our country is going through now as a man who wouldn’t fight for his country tries to be a dictator and is supported by a whole political party. As I think about how they gave their lives so we can live freely, I feel profound sadness and shame. Beverly Bayles

Playground policy

Massapequa, L.I.: “Hard way or easy way — Greenland, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, give me your lunch money.” I’ve seen that in my experience in junior high school. Paul Pepe

Spineless

Brooklyn: Once again, Senate girly men Josh “I ran as fast as I could” Hawley and Todd “Anything you say, Bonespurs” Young could not even back a symbolic resolution limiting the draft-dodger in chief from putting our troops in harm’s way while he steals, defiles and continues to destroy this once-great country. Totally disgusting doesn’t even begin to describe it. P.S.: Epstein’s getting closer. Gary Butler

Expanding ego

Dartmouth, Mass.: Always looking for a challenge that infuriates his enemies, enlarges his personal fortune and provides another notch in his competition with Vladimir Putin, Trump grabs Venezuela and eyes other countries for inclusion in his sphere of influence. To up the ante, Trump looks beyond the contiguous nations in the Western Hemisphere, threatening Greenland and Russia’s friendly nations, such as Iran. Simultaneous to land grabbing and resource accumulation, Trump is feverishly destroying any domestic constraints on his power. Mass media, cultural institutions, academia and medicine are all bending to his will by eliminating any criticism or opposition. Trump may respect Putin, but his egotistical need to be the winner of all contests, even those he created, is compelling him to enlarge his personal fortune and expand his territorial control. Being king isn’t as ego-satisfying as being emperor or czar of a vast domain. Betty Ussach

Which wars?

Manhattan: The picture of Trump displaying the Nobel Peace Prize given to him by the actual prize winner, María Corina Machado, like he was actually the recipient, is a joke. He says he stopped eight wars. I guess he was saying he was responsible for British Gen. Charles Cornwallis surrendering at Yorktown, Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendering to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, arranging the sides at the Treaty of Versailles ending World War I and the German surrender on VE Day in 1945, and the Japanese surrender on VJ Day. H. Wayne Mirsky

Cash transaction?

Auburndale: Did Machado give the cash part of the Nobel Peace Prize to our president, or just the medal? Cathi Venis

Inaccurate accusation

Jersey City: To Voicer Tom King: Mike Tomlin has never thrown a chair as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has used his share of profanities in the locker rooms or on the sidelines, especially during games with the Patriots, Browns and Ravens. That’s well documented. Never a story in Pittsburgh about him throwing a chair. The Rooneys would not have tolerated that. Tomlin is well known for being a role model and a molder of men. Watch and listen to how his players speak of him. Apparently, Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko threw a chair recently. So for you, is it that all Mikes are alike or all football coaches are prone to bad behavior? There’s a phony Tomlin lookalike on YouTube, but you sure don’t know Tomlin, football or how to do basic research. Hope he sues you. David Parker

Pressed into service

Yardley, Pa.: After reading your article on boy band BTS putting their careers on hold to complete their military service to their country, how novel — “giving time to your country.” Sounds like the old draft. Frank Cocuzza