Texas housing demand, development remains high while household income growth stalls
AUSTIN, Texas, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Texas housing demand and new home development remained high last year, while median household income for Texas homebuyers decreased slightly, according to the Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report released yesterday by the Texas Association of Realtors.
Leslie Rouda Smith, chairman of the Texas Association of Realtors, commented, “Texas home prices have risen steadily for the last several years, but household incomes for many Texas homebuyers are not growing fast enough to compensate. Texas Realtors are working with their clients to identify affordable paths to responsible homeownership and working collectively at the Legislature to keep homeownership affordable in our state.”
From July 2014 to June 2015, the median household income of Texas homebuyers fell 0.4 percent year-over-year to $97,100.
New-home sales continued to grow during the same time frame. Thirty percent of Texas homes purchased were new homes, a two percent increase.
“Strong population growth and relocation activity combined with low housing inventory levels continue to generate strong demand for new home development. In many markets, new homes are selling as quickly as they can be built,” Smith added.
According to the report, the median age of first-time homebuyers decreased one year to 31 years old, while the median age of repeat buyers increased three years to 53. The median age for all Texas homebuyers was 45.
Smith concluded, “Housing market conditions are becoming increasingly competitive across the state, especially for first-time homebuyers. Texas Realtors are trusted advisors who can help homebuyers and sellers navigate tough market conditions and provide an in-depth knowledge of their local market.”
Other key statistics from the report include:
- The percentage of married homebuyers in Texas decreased two percent to 70 percent.
- Fourteen percent of Texas homebuyers were single women, while only seven percent were single men.
- Homes in Texas are typically larger and newer than homes sold nationwide. The median size of a home purchased in Texas was 2,060 square feet, compared to 1,900 square feet nationally. The median year homes in Texas purchased between July 2014 and June 2015 were built was 2003, compared to 1991 nationally.
- Fifteen percent of homebuyers in Texas purchased a home for a multi-generational family, meaning that children over 18 or aging parents would also be living in the house. Nationally, this was 18 percent.
- The tenure of owning a home in Texas decreased one year to eight years.
About the Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report
The Texas Homebuyers and Sellers Report is based on survey data from the Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS®. The Texas Association of REALTORS® distributes insights about the Texas housing market each month, including quarterly market statistics, trends among homebuyers and sellers, luxury home sales, international trends, and more.
About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With more than 100,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.
CONTACT: Danielle Urban
Pierpont Communications
+1-512-448-4950
[email protected]
MoneyGram to Present at Barclays Emerging Payments Forum
DALLAS, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — MoneyGram (NASDAQ:MGI), today announced that it will present at the Barclays Emerging Payments Forum on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at the Westin New York at Times Square.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/251082LOGO
A live audio webcast of the presentation will be available on the company’s website in the investor relations section at ir.moneygram.com.
About MoneyGram International, Inc.
MoneyGram is a global provider of innovative money transfer services and is recognized worldwide as a financial connection to friends and family. Whether online, or through a mobile device, at a kiosk or in a local store, we connect consumers any way that is convenient for them. We also provide bill payment services, issue money orders and process official checks in select markets. More information about MoneyGram International, Inc. is available at moneygram.com.
#moneygramnews
CONTACT:
MoneyGram International, Inc.
Investor Relations:
Suzanne Rosenberg
214-979-1400
[email protected]
Media Relations:
Michelle Buckalew
214-979-1418
[email protected]
ONE NATION UNDER SOCCER USA® Announces Ticket Sales Starting On Tuesday, March 1, 2016
LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Mega promoters Daniel Garcia, owner of M.A.C. Income Tax announced today it would launch the first ever Legends of Soccer Game under the title ONE NATION UNDER SOCCER USA®. This historic game will be held at the infamous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Super Legends of the sport, who continue to inspire young and old alike AND who also embrace the causes of disability rights around the world, include players from some of the most well known teams of Latin America … including Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Paraguay, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador and Cuba. Featuring ‘Player of Honor’ Salvador Cabanas!
BRAZILIAN LEGENDS Vs. LATIN AMERICAN ALL STARS
FACE OFF ON SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2016
A Multi-Cultural Celebration of ALL that is Soccer!
Daniel Garcia stated that the timing is perfect, the explosion of soccer in the USA parallels that of baseball, football and basketball, however on a much larger scale. Soccer is a worldwide sport giving it the largest potential audience of any sport in US history. The planned day of activities include not only the legendary game itself as the main event but also Multi-Cultural Celebration of All That Is Soccer. The festivities include a day-long carnival festival beginning at 10am, with musical performances from each country, carnival games, food and everything Soccer at the historical grounds of the LA Coliseum.
This day of events also includes a celebration of Children in Soccer from Southern California. U12 Teams representing Mexico, Central and South America, Asia and General Market will get a chance to play a live game at the Historic Los Angeles Coliseum grounds prior to the main event. Each of the U12 players chosen to play will receive honorary trophies and medals for playing in this first annual historic event.
A percentage of proceeds will benefit the TRIUMPH FOUNDATION.
Press Only Event: Thursday, March 3, 2016
A Press Only Conference will be held Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 11am PST at the Press Box at the Los Angeles Coliseum, allowing members of the press to meet some of the players like Guatemalan legend Martin Alejandro Machón Guerra!, and the famous LA Galaxy star Cobi Jones along with the event organizers to present this inspiring vision of Daniel Garcia … ONE NATION UNDER SOCCER USA®.
|
When: |
Thursday, March 3, 2016 |
|
Time: |
11am PST |
|
Where: |
LOS ANGELES MEMORIAL COLISEUM |
|
Press Box/Eternal Flame |
Sofia Milos To Host Joy Foundation Benefit at Red Carpet Opening of Allure Banquet and Event Center
LOS ANGELES, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Actress Sofia Milos will host a benefit for The Joy Foundation at the Grand Opening of the Allure Banquet and Event Center on Thursday, March 10th.
The Joy Foundation helps children with special needs by bringing together families, healthcare providers and community leaders to promote mutual understanding through education, workshops and therapeutic services.
“I’m honored to have this support from Sofia and the team at Allure for our children,” said Maria Lupe Ibarra-Smith, founder of The Joy Foundation. “Our organization is grateful for their kindness.” Also on Joy’s board is actress Apollonia Kotero (“Purple Rain”).
The Allure Banquet and Event Center (www.AllureBanquet.com) is a new, state-of-the-art venue available for premieres, concerts, filming and private functions. It is located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley on Van Nuys Blvd. and features fine dining and catering with international chef, Joel Mouradyan.
“Our goal was to create a unique event location in this up-and-coming metropolitan area,” said Andy Bableyan, co-owner of Allure. “We are confident this will help our community flourish.”
Sarkis Semerjyan, also a co-owner added: “We are dedicated to our city, which is why our opening will benefit The Joy Foundation. We are proud to help support this important cause.”
Milos starred in “CSI Miami” on CBS, “The Sopranos” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” on HBO, “Caroline In The City” on NBC, and in several movies including “The Border “and “Passionata.”
The evening will feature Angelo Pagan y su Orchestra from TLC’s “It’s All Relative,” the award-winning Top-40 band “Weekend Celebrity,” as well as singer Karen Boksian, and singer-songwriter Christian Galve.
Comedienne Kiki Melendez is an organizer and board member of The Joy Foundation.
VIP/Press Passes and information at [email protected].
Generated by Elif Cercel
Allure Banquet and Event Center
6939 Van Nuys Blvd,
Van Nuys, CA 91405
SCHEDULE:
5:30-6:00 pm Press Check-in
6:30-7:30 pm Red Carpet Arrivals
8:00 pm Networking Cocktail, followed by Dinner Buffet/ Live Entertainment
Aeromexico Starts to Serve the Mexico City-Shanghai Route with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner
MEXICO CITY, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, announced that starting on February 22nd, it would operate its Mexico City–Shanghai route with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, considered one of the most modern aircraft in the skies.
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130315/MX77534LOGO
Photos – http://we.tl/QqjwwbYdVX
The aircraft is configured with 243 seats, including 32 in Clase Premier, Aeromexico’s Business Class Cabin. Some of the Dreamliner’s main benefits include extra legroom, more storage space for carry-on luggage, bigger windows that can be dimmed at the touch of a button, an entertainment system with individual touchscreens featuring 20 movies and 36 TV series, improved cabin pressurization to reduce fatigue and ease jet-lag effects, Sky Interior LED lighting, and new menus to enhance the inflight dining experience, among others.
This year, Aeromexico celebrates eight years operating this route, and currently offers three weekly flights equal to more than 1500 seats available per week for business and leisure customers traveling between these two cities.
When speaking of this new service, Aeromexico’s Corporate Sales Director Jorge Goytortua said, “Connectivity and service are currently keywords in commercial aviation, which is why Aeromexico is always looking to improve our options to offer our customers a world class travel experience”.
It is also important to note that Aeromexico will change this flight’s stop over to San José del Cabo between March 13 and July 31 this year, due to the maintenance of the runways at the Tijuana International Airport, going back to its regular scheduled stopover on August 1.
Actions like this confirm Aeromexico’s commitment to providing high quality services to its customers, as well as extensive network connectivity to more than 80 destinations including 46 cities in Mexico and 41 international cities on three continents.
Adding the Boeing 787 to this route will allow Aeromexico to offer customers the characteristic benefits the Dreamliner features.
Aeromexico will serve this new route with the following flight schedules:
Mexico City – Shanghai*
|
AM 098 |
10:41 p.m. |
8:45 a.m. (+2) |
Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday |
Shanghai – Mexico City*
|
AM 099 |
1:35 p.m. |
5:15 p.m. |
Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday |
About Grupo Aeroméxico
Grupo Aeroméxico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries provide commercial aviation services and promote passenger loyalty programs in Mexico. Aeromexico, Mexico’s global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights from its main hub in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its route network includes 80 cities on three continents including 46 in Mexico, 16 in the United States, 16 in Latin America, four in Europe, three in Canada, and two in Asia.
The Group’s fleet of more than 130 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777, and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 190, 175, 170, and 145 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 B737 MAX airliners and ten B787-9 Dreamliners.
As a founding member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 179 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 636 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel options through its code share partners Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines and WestJet with extensive connectivity in countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, and Peru. www.aeromexico.com and www.skyteam.com
HITN Partners with Teachers College Columbia University to Strengthen Its Children’s Programming with Fun Educational Spots
BROOKLYN, New York, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN), the Pay TV network that offers educational content for US Hispanic audiences, announced a partnership with New York’s Teachers College Columbia University that will enable the network to strengthen its educational content for children.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160229/338804
Starting today, HITN-TV’s children’s programming will feature fun educational spots developed in collaboration with renowned educator Herbert Ginsburg, a professor at Columbia’s Teachers College. The spots will be in the format of an animated series and include five episodes so far.
The series is designed especially to reinforce basic concepts and fundamentals of mathematics among children aged 3 to 5. “The goal is to create an entertaining experience for kids while teaching them basic math and language concepts,” explained Ginsburg, an expert in developmental psychology and mathematics education.
Ginsburg is known around the world for his studies demonstrating that children as young as 18 months have basic mathematical ideas and skills. He has consulted with a number of television shows, including Sesame Street, Blue’s Clues and Team Umizoomi, and is also the developer of MathemAntics, a software platform that promotes early math learning.
The characters in the animated spots are inspired by Ginsburg’s interactive storybook, Monster Music Factory, and will serve as the basis for the animated characters to be developed for a math teaching app for parents and educators.
The 45-60 second spots will be presented during HITN-TV’s children’s programming bloc at 10 -11 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.
According to producer Esther Yoon, HITN’s Senior Associate for Research and Partnership Development, “The children who watch our network are mostly bilingual and speak Spanish as their main language at home. We hope that these animated spots will be very helpful for parents in instilling fundamentals of mathematics in their children.”
For more information about The Hispanic Information and Telecommunication Network (HITN, Inc.), please visit: http://www.hitn.org/en/about-us
What: HITN Strengthens Its Children’s Programming Bloc with Fun Educational Spots
When: February-March 2016
Where: HITN TV – Brooklyn, NY
American Honda Sets New February Record; New Civic and Honda Division Lead with Second Consecutive Monthly Records
TORRANCE, California, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — American Honda Motor Co., Inc. today reported record February sales of 118,985 Honda and Acura vehicles, an increase of 12.8 percent. Honda Division set a new February record with 106,212 units sold, up 14.9 percent; Honda car sales reached 57,267 while record February truck sales totaled 48,945 for the month. Acura sales totaled 12,773 with sedan sales of 4,683 and trucks reaching 8,090 units in February.
Honda
Fresh off of a record January and led by record sales of the all-new 2016 Civic Sedan and the CR-V along with a strong performance by the Accord, the Honda brand set a new February sales mark.
- Civic, relying only on sales of the Sedan, was the brand’s best-selling model for the month, setting a new February record, with sales up 31.7 percent to 27,707 units; the All-new Civic Coupe will accelerate that momentum when it goes on sale in mid-March.
- Also bucking the light truck trend, Accord was up 19.3 percent on sales of 25,785 units.
- CR-V, America’s best-selling SUV, was up 13.2 percent on record February sales of 25,250 vehicles.
- Odyssey had a double digit gain, up 11.4 percent with 8,994 units sold for the month.
- In high demand but short supply, Pilot sold 9,572 units, a strong month, but a 24.2 percent decrease compared to February 2015, when high inventories and aggressive sell-down efforts of the prior generation model led to near-record sales.
“Led by the all-new Civic, Honda cars are defying industry trends, even as our light truck models are red hot this winter,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “With more versions of the Civic yet to go on sale and an all-new Ridgeline on the way, Honda is primed for an incredibly strong start to the year.”
Acura
While overall sales were down slightly for February, strong sales of the ILX, the brand’s gateway model; the launch of the Acura NSX online vehicle configurator in late February and a refreshed MDX set to debut at the New York Auto Show this month portend a strong year as the Acura brand approaches its 30th anniversary in late March.
- ILX followed up on a strong January result, rising an impressive 56.4 percent on sales of 1,500 units in February.
- MDX, challenged by low inventory levels, was the brand’s best-selling model for the month with sales of 4,292 units in February, down 5.7 percent.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Acura brand in March and the launch of the NSX this spring, it’s encouraging to see the same kind of excitement associated with the early days of the brand,” said Jon Ikeda, vice president and general manager of the Acura division. “With a strong gateway model attracting new customers to the brand in the ILX, and an updated MDX about to debut at the New York auto show, it’s not simply cliché to say that the best is yet to come.”
|
American Honda Vehicle Sales for February 2016 |
|||||||||||||||
|
Month-to-Date |
Year-to-Date |
||||||||||||||
|
February |
February |
DSR** % |
MoM % |
February |
February |
DSR** % |
YoY % |
||||||||
|
American Honda Total |
118,985 |
105,466 |
12.8% |
12.8% |
219,482 |
207,650 |
10.1% |
5.7% |
|||||||
|
Total Car Sales |
61,950 |
53,269 |
16.3% |
16.3% |
116,332 |
103,284 |
17.3% |
12.6% |
|||||||
|
Total Truck Sales |
57,035 |
52,197 |
9.3% |
9.3% |
103,150 |
104,366 |
3.0% |
-1.2% |
|||||||
|
Honda Total Car Sales |
57,267 |
48,692 |
17.6% |
17.6% |
108,079 |
94,623 |
19.0% |
14.2% |
|||||||
|
Honda Total Truck Sales |
48,945 |
43,782 |
11.8% |
11.8% |
88,380 |
88,053 |
4.6% |
0.4% |
|||||||
|
Acura Total Car Sales |
4,683 |
4,577 |
2.3% |
2.3% |
8,253 |
8,661 |
-0.7% |
-4.7% |
|||||||
|
Acura Total Truck Sales |
8,090 |
8,415 |
-3.9% |
-3.9% |
14,770 |
16,313 |
-5.7% |
-9.5% |
|||||||
|
Total Domestic Car Sales |
58,489 |
52,687 |
11.0% |
11.0% |
109,939 |
102,064 |
12.2% |
7.7% |
|||||||
|
Honda Division |
53,909 |
48,287 |
11.6% |
11.6% |
101,887 |
93,762 |
13.2% |
8.7% |
|||||||
|
Acura Division |
4,580 |
4,400 |
4.1% |
4.1% |
8,052 |
8,302 |
1.0% |
-3.0% |
|||||||
|
Total Domestic Truck Sales |
57,035 |
52,197 |
9.3% |
9.3% |
103,150 |
104,366 |
3.0% |
-1.2% |
|||||||
|
Honda Division |
48,945 |
43,782 |
11.8% |
11.8% |
88,380 |
88,053 |
4.6% |
0.4% |
|||||||
|
Acura Division |
8,090 |
8,415 |
-3.9% |
-3.9% |
14,770 |
16,313 |
-5.7% |
-9.5% |
|||||||
|
Total Import Car Sales |
3,461 |
582 |
494.7% |
494.7% |
6,393 |
1,220 |
445.9% |
424.0% |
|||||||
|
Honda Division |
3,358 |
405 |
729.1% |
729.1% |
6,192 |
861 |
649.1% |
619.2% |
|||||||
|
Acura Division |
103 |
177 |
-41.8% |
-41.8% |
201 |
359 |
-41.7% |
-44.0% |
|||||||
|
Total Import Truck Sales |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|||||||
|
Honda Division |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|||||||
|
Acura Division |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
0 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|||||||
|
MODEL BREAKOUT BY DIVISION |
|||||||||||||||
|
Honda Division Total |
106,212 |
92,474 |
14.9% |
14.9% |
196,459 |
182,676 |
12.0% |
7.5% |
|||||||
|
* ACCORD |
25,785 |
21,616 |
19.3% |
19.3% |
46,550 |
42,627 |
13.8% |
9.2% |
|||||||
|
* CIVIC |
27,707 |
21,038 |
31.7% |
31.7% |
54,448 |
39,737 |
42.7% |
37.0% |
|||||||
|
CR-Z |
128 |
175 |
-26.9% |
-26.9% |
320 |
371 |
-10.2% |
-13.7% |
|||||||
|
* FIT |
3,647 |
5,652 |
-35.5% |
-35.5% |
6,742 |
11,454 |
-38.7% |
-41.1% |
|||||||
|
INSIGHT |
0 |
211 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
19 |
434 |
-95.4% |
-95.6% |
|||||||
|
CROSSTOUR |
190 |
643 |
-70.5% |
-70.5% |
456 |
1,304 |
-63.6% |
-65.0% |
|||||||
|
* CR-V |
25,250 |
22,298 |
13.2% |
13.2% |
44,458 |
45,509 |
1.8% |
-2.3% |
|||||||
|
HR-V |
4,940 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
9,117 |
0 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
|||||||
|
ODYSSEY |
8,994 |
8,076 |
11.4% |
11.4% |
16,215 |
15,946 |
5.9% |
1.7% |
|||||||
|
PILOT |
9,572 |
12,629 |
-24.2% |
-24.2% |
18,133 |
24,944 |
-24.3% |
-27.3% |
|||||||
|
RIDGELINE |
-1 |
136 |
-100.7% |
-100.7% |
1 |
350 |
-99.7% |
-99.7% |
|||||||
|
*** |
Memo: Accord FHEV |
68 |
832 |
-91.8% |
-91.8% |
139 |
1,637 |
-91.2% |
-91.5% |
||||||
|
Memo: Accord PHEV |
0 |
12 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
0 |
40 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
|||||||
|
Memo: Civic Hybrid |
143 |
358 |
-60.1% |
-60.1% |
304 |
678 |
-53.3% |
-55.2% |
|||||||
|
Acura Division Total |
12,773 |
12,992 |
-1.7% |
-1.7% |
23,023 |
24,974 |
-4.0% |
-7.8% |
|||||||
|
ILX |
1,500 |
959 |
56.4% |
56.4% |
2,733 |
1,951 |
45.9% |
40.1% |
|||||||
|
RLX / RL |
103 |
173 |
-40.5% |
-40.5% |
201 |
349 |
-40.0% |
-42.4% |
|||||||
|
TL |
0 |
22 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
0 |
40 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
|||||||
|
TLX |
3,080 |
3,419 |
-9.9% |
-9.9% |
5,319 |
6,311 |
-12.2% |
-15.7% |
|||||||
|
TSX |
0 |
4 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
0 |
10 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
|||||||
|
MDX |
4,292 |
4,553 |
-5.7% |
-5.7% |
7,868 |
8,934 |
-8.3% |
-11.9% |
|||||||
|
RDX |
3,798 |
3,862 |
-1.7% |
-1.7% |
6,902 |
7,379 |
-2.6% |
-6.5% |
|||||||
|
*** |
Memo: ILX Hybrid |
0 |
5 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
0 |
8 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
||||||
|
Memo: RLX Hybrid |
12 |
21 |
-42.9% |
-42.9% |
30 |
35 |
-10.7% |
-14.3% |
|||||||
|
Memo: TSX Wagon |
0 |
1 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
0 |
1 |
-100.0% |
-100.0% |
|||||||
|
Selling Days |
24 |
24 |
48 |
50 |
|||||||||||
|
**** Hybrid |
351 |
1,614 |
-78.3% |
-78.3% |
812 |
3,203 |
-73.6% |
-74.6% |
|||||||
|
* Honda and Acura vehicles are made of domestic & global sourced parts |
|||||||||||||||
|
** Daily Selling Rate |
|||||||||||||||
|
*** Memo line items are included in the respective model total |
|||||||||||||||
|
**** Hybrid includes FHEV, PHEV, CR-Z, Civic Hybrid, Insight, ILX Hybrid, RLX Hybrid and RLX Sport Hybrid |
|||||||||||||||
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160301/339095
Logo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100923/HONDALOGO
AARP Endorses Governor Cuomo’s Paid Family Leave Proposal to Help Family Caregivers
ALBANY, New York, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — AARP today endorsed Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to create a paid family leave law that would be stronger than any already on the books to help New York’s family caregivers, and the Governor is planning to speak directly to AARP members from across the state during a teletown hall this evening to urge them to help get the job done.
Today’s endorsement came as more than 100 AARP members and volunteers from around the state met with their state legislators individually at the capital and urged them to approve the plan as part of the 2016-17 state budget. AARP members and volunteers joined AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel on the state Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase for the announcement.
The teletown hall will begin at 5:20 p.m. In addition to being able to ask the Governor questions directly, participants will have the opportunity to contact their State Senator urging support of the Governor’s proposal.
The Governor’s plan would provide up to 12 weeks per year of paid leave for working New Yorkers to care for newborn children and working family caregivers to care for sick family members. It would be financed entirely through employee contributions starting at approximately 70 cents per week and rising to approximately $1.40 when full benefits kick in.
Employees would ultimately receive two thirds of their weekly pay while on leave, up to a maximum of two thirds the state’s average wage. The two thirds wage replacement cap will particularly help lower-income workers.
“No New Yorker should be forced to choose between paying their bills and caring for a sick loved one,” said Governor Cuomo. “We are going to pass paid family leave in this state and ensure fairness and dignity for all households. It’s time that we set a new national standard for supporting working families, and New York is going to lead the way.”
“AARP applauds Governor Cuomo for his leadership on paid family leave,” said AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “Helping caregivers to assist their loved ones is a common-sense approach that results in more people being able to live independently in their home, rather than having to move into a more costly, and often taxpayer-funded institutional setting.”
“AARP New York is proud that our Governor is fighting for a paid family leave benefit that would be stronger than any other on the books, and we enthusiastically support his plan and urge our legislators to adopt it as part of the new state budget,” said Beth Finkel, State Director of AARP in New York State, home to 2.6 million of AARP’s 38 million members nationally. “Working family caregivers shouldn’t have to choose between making a living and caring for mom or dad or their spouse. Paid family leave would ensure they don’t.
“AARP appreciates Governor Cuomo’s willingness to speak to our members on tonight’s teletown hall,” Finkel added. “Our population is aging, and family caregivers will only become more and more stressed as time goes on. New York has over two million family caregivers who provide unpaid care valued at $31.3 billion a year. They are a resource we should support.”
“Many people need this,” said AARP volunteer Toni Salomone, 72, of Islip Terrace, whose daughter had to take four weeks off unpaid from her job as a teacher two years ago to be with her father, Toni’s husband. “I really needed her support at the time. It was so difficult financially.”
“Paid Family Leave would have really benefitted me,” said Richard McGee, 64, an AARP volunteer from Garden City who has been caring for his 95-year-old mother. “Sometimes I received calls in the middle of the night, but I was at a job where I couldn’t miss days.” He’s between jobs now but said paid family leave would help at his next job.
As New York’s population ages, there will be fewer family members available to provide care for more aging adults who will need it. In 2010 there was a potential pool of 6.6 people aged 45-65 for every person 80 and older who would likely need care at some point. That number will shrink to 4.8 by 2030 and 3.5 by 2050.
The United States is one of the only developed nations in the world that does not provide paid family leave. California, New Jersey and Rhode Island are the only states that currently offer paid family leave..
An AARP-commissioned survey of voters 50 and older across New York state in 2014 found 73 percent support paid family leave. More recently, a Sienna Research Institute poll published on February 1, 2016 found that 80 percent of New Yorkers support paid family leave.