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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Bryan Ellicott-Cook, Director of Government Relations at SAGE
4:48:08
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104 sec
Bryan Ellicott-Cook, representing SAGE, advocated for increased support for LGBTQ+ older adults in New York City. He highlighted the challenges faced by this community and requested additional funding to meet growing needs and ensure dignified aging for LGBTQ+ elders.
- Emphasized the importance of SAGE in providing essential services and advocacy for LGBTQ+ older adults
- Requested increased funding across SAGE's programs for FY '26
- Supported broader aging services initiatives, including $500 million for older adult center repairs, $44 million for case management expansion, and $78 million for nutritional services
Bryan Ellicott-Cook
4:48:08
Good afternoon chairs Hudson and Brennan and members of the committee.
4:48:11
My name is Brian Ellicott Cook and I'm the director of government relations at SAGE, the country's oldest and largest organization dedicated to LGBTQ plus older adults.
4:48:20
Since 1978, SAGE has advocated for policies that help LGBTQ plus elders age with dignity and security.
4:48:27
And we deeply appreciate the mayor's executive budget addressing that million dollar fiscal cliff, but we still need more.
4:48:34
In the midst of the rising tide of anti LGBT rhetoric and policies from Washington, many LGBT plus older adults live in fear and uncertainty about their rights, their health care, and their overall well-being.
4:48:46
For thousands of our city's queer elders, Sage is a vital source of support providing essential services, advocacy, and a welcoming community to ensure that no one is left to navigate these challenges alone.
4:48:57
To meet these growing needs, we are seeking increased support to serve the important and often invisible population.
4:49:03
LGBTQ plus elders are frequently isolated, disconnected from services, and without the vital support of traditional biological family structures, they are far more likely to live alone and less likely to rely on family members for caregiving.
4:49:16
SAGE bridges that gap through culturally competent care of building trust and community for our elders in New York City.
4:49:22
And to meet that growing demand, SAGE is specifically asking for a request across our funding for FY '26, and it's all in my testimony.
4:49:31
But we are also here to also, with LivOn, to prioritize $500,000,000 to repair older adult centers, dollars 44,000,000 to expand case management staffing and reduce case loads, and $78,000,000 for nutritional services including weekend meals for homebound elders.
4:49:47
LGBT elders have given so much to our city and we ask to invest in their futures.
4:49:51
Thank you very much.