ALBANY, NY (WENY)--ADVOCATES AND LAWMAKERS ARE CALLING ON THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN A BILL THAT WOULD HELP NEW YORKERS WITH THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS AND UTILITY BILLS. 

“With these extreme weather patterns, all of us are feeling it but we know where the dire consequences end up are those seniors as well as those who have other underlying health issues,” said Assembly Member Pat Fahy (D-Assembly District 109).

IF SIGNED, THE LEGISLATION WOULD DATA MATCH NEW YORKERS ON A STATE DRUG AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM CALLED THE Elderly PHARMACEUTICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE PROGRAM (EPIC) TO THE STATE’S HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (heap).   
 
EMMA GENEVA CONWAY, AARP ADVOCATE AND ALBANY RESIDENT, SAYS IT WOULD HELP CONNECT NEW YORKERS WITH BENEFITS THEY NEED. BUT SHE ALSO SAYS IT COULD HELP ADDRESS THE STIGMA AGAINST RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.  
 
“Many of my friends and family, as well as members of my Albany Church are too proud to ask for anything that sounds like a giveaway,” said Geneva Conway. 
 
ONCE NEW YORKERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS OFFERED THROUGH THE STATE , IT OFTEN OPENS DOORS FOR THEM FOR RECEIVING ADDITIONAL HELP THROUGH OTHER avenues.
 
FOR INSTANCE MANY NEW YORKERS CAN ALSO BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR AN AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM PROVIDING MONTHS OF DISCOUNTS THROUGH NATIONAL GRID AND OTHER UTILITY COMPANIES, ONCE THEY ARE ENROLLED IN THE STATES HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.  
 
“Each step along this way is money saved that releases that financial stress that our older adults and our low-to-moderate income individuals are feeling on a daily basis,” said Laurie Wheelock, executive director of the Public Utility Law Project.
 
THIS IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY BILLS AWAITING GOV. HOCHUL'S APPROVAL .
 
SOME LAWMAKERS SAid THE GOVERNOR HAS ABOUT 500 BILLS LEFT TO SIGN BEFORE THE NEW SESSION YEAR – BUT THEY’RE HOPEFUL THIS BILL WILL BE ONE OF THEM.