Governor Hochul just signed a dangerous bill into law

Laws – the Good the Bad, or the Ugly

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We should not go quietly. Weigh In!

This new law removes the Director of the Office for the Aging from making decisions on Alzheimer’s and dementia-related resources—shifting all authority to the Commissioner of Health, a political appointee under the Governor. This may seem like a small bureaucratic change, but the real dangers are alarming:

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Politicization of Senior Care – The Department of Health (DOH) oversees all public health matters, meaning Alzheimer’s and dementia care could be deprioritized in favor of other statewide initiatives.

Less Funding & Resources – The Office for the Aging previously controlled funding for Alzheimer’s programs. Now, those resources could be redirected elsewhere, leaving families and caregivers with fewer options.

Loss of Specialized Expertise – The DOH is a broad agency, not one dedicated to aging issues. Alzheimer’s and dementia care require targeted knowledge, which could be lost under this shift.

More Bureaucratic Delays – Seniors and caregivers may face more hurdles accessing critical programs and research support.

Less Transparency & Accountability – Senior advocacy groups had direct input when the Office for the Aging made these decisions. With this change, who will ensure these funds and programs are protected?

We believe that Seniors deserve better.

Alzheimer’s and dementia care should be guided by experts,

not politics.

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