Should we keep the lights on or buy groceries this month? Should we fill the gas tank to visit our grandkids, or cover the copays for our medications? These are real conversations happening at kitchen tables across New York State. And one sentiment continues to stand out amongst the rest–not only for retirees on fixed incomes, but in the headlines and from all sides of the political aisle: affordability.

Across New York, there is growing agreement that the affordability crisis must be addressed. Gov. Kathy Hochul, lawmakers, unions, advocacy organizations and New Yorkers across the state have all raised concerns about the rising cost of living. At the same time, we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of residents aged 65 and older, growing to over 3.5 million as of 2023. That’s equivalent to 1 in 5 New Yorkers, many of whom are living on a fixed income. And according to the state comptroller, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to increase to 5.5 million by 2030. 

As costs rise across the board, New York’s aging population must have more certainty and support to ensure they........

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