The governor tried to deny homeowners property tax relief. Fortunately, Aileen helped pass a final budget that includes more school aid to lower the tax burden and tax rebates. The rebates average $395 for those who receive Enhanced STAR in Orange County.

And she passed a bill that would allow senior citizens a 5-day extension to pay their property tax bill because it is hard to pay by the first of the month due to delays in receiving retirement checks (A.399, awaits the governor’s signature).

The governor tried to cut funding for health care. Fortunately, Aileen helped pass a budget that restores funding for local nursing homes and hospitals and increases nursing home reimbursements, including:

• $1.57 million for the Orange Regional Medical Center

• $474,000 for St. Teresa’s Nursing Home, Inc.

• $356,000 for the Bon Secours Community Hospital

The budget also extended the state’s wraparound coverage of Medicaid/Medicare for dual eligibles so low-income seniors will still have access to needed medications.

According to AARP, drug prices are the highest they’ve been in six years. In an effort to lower prices, Gunther helped pass legislation supported by AARP that would:

• shine a light on drug companies that spend billions on gifts to doctors (A.5574-E, awaiting Senate action)

• allow the state to bulk purchase drugs and use the savings to create a discount card for people who can’t afford prescription drugs (A.6336-B, awaiting Senate action)

Gunther also secured funding for the Port Jervis senior center and for the renovation of the Mulberry House in Middletown. For more information about these projects, contact the Orange County Office for the Aging at 845-291-2150.