AARP Commends Gov. Cuomo's Choice of Rev. Flake for PSC

Bill Ferris, Associate State Director for AARP in New York State

News provided by

Jan 15, 2015, 03:47 ET

NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With Gov. Andrew Cuomo's nomination of Reverend Floyd Flake to the New York State Public Service Commission (the entity charged with regulating utilities in the state including rate hikes) AARP New York Associate State Director, Bill Ferris, issued the following statement:

"Reverend Flake is just what the PSC needs at this crucial time, as New Yorkers face some of the highest utility rates in the nation and more than 200 people across the state see their utilities shut off every day, many because they simply can't afford their bill.

"AARP commends Governor Cuomo's nomination of Reverend Flake. As a church leader and former Congressman, Reverend Flake has a keen understanding of the needs of New Yorkers and the struggles many face when it comes to their kitchen table economies.

"74% of voters 50 and older in New York reported financial strain from the cost of heating their households last winter, with 38% calling the burden a major strain. We know they have someone who understands them in Rev. Flake.

"Nearly 70% of New York's 50+ voters say they're worried about being able to pay their utility bills in the coming years.

"AARP will continue to press for an independent utility consumer advocate this legislative session to fight unfair rate hikes and stand up for residential consumers."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP New York