Slater is helping seniors afford to stay

Dear Editor,

For many years, I have been an advocate for the seniors of Yorktown. I have seen firsthand the challenges facing older residents who simply want to remain in the community they have spent decades helping to build.

I have also had the opportunity to work with Matt Slater throughout his years of public service, first in Yorktown and now as our State Assemblyman. I have always found him willing to listen and, more importantly, willing to act.

That is why I was pleased to hear him speak recently before the Yorktown Senior Advisory Committee about making it more affordable for seniors to remain in their homes.

Matt has introduced legislation to increase New York's outdated $20,000 retirement-income tax exemption to $100,000 and tie it to inflation. He has also supported changes making it easier for eligible seniors to receive Enhanced STAR and expanding the property-tax exemption that local communities can offer seniors.

Just as importantly, Matt has also supported programs that help seniors afford their prescriptions and co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to rein in pharmacy benefit managers and protect the independent pharmacies so many seniors rely on.

He continues to fight rising utility costs, which have become a serious burden for those living on fixed incomes.

Yorktown's seniors have worked hard, raised families, paid taxes and contributed enormously to our community. They deserve the opportunity to stay here. I appreciate having an Assemblyman who listens to our seniors, understands their concerns and continues working on their behalf.

Assemblyman Matt Slater has been a true partner to Yorktown's senior community, and I am proud to support him.

-Jennie Menton, Yorktown