Res 0721-2019

By Council Members Cumbo, Rosenthal, Rosenthal, the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams), Ayala, Salamanca, Gibson, Chin, Kallos, Adams, Cohen, Ampry-Samuel, Rose and Rivera Whereas, The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ("TANF") program provides public assistance to needy families through federal funds given to states allowing them to develop and implement their own public assistance programs; and Whereas, In New York, those receiving temporary cash assistance can receive transportation and child care expenses so that they can meet their work and/or educational requirements; and Whereas, The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides critical food assistance to people struggling to make ends meet, and has contributed to the overall reduction in poverty nationwide; and Whereas, In New York State, both public assistance and SNAP are administered by the Office for Temporary and Disability Assistance ("OTDA"), and the Human Resources Administration ("HRA") is the agency that provides assistance to eligible applicants; and Whereas, Both public assistance and SNAP help low income families get back on their feet by providing vital resources at a critical time in their lives; and Whereas, Changes in employment and/or income can change a recipient's eligibility for SNAP and public assistance, including child care and transportation expenses; and Whereas, Those changes in eligibility can leave recipients navigating government bureaucracy to restore funding that helps pay the bills and put food on the table, often resulting in taking time from work and family obligations; and Whereas, Continuity and stability must be provided to recipients of benefits as family circumstances change, especially to families with children; and Whereas, New Yorkers receiving benefits should be supported through the process of beginning a new job, looking for a job, or having their work hours drastically change; and Whereas, Additionally, all termination letters should clearly state why benefits are being terminated, the exact paperwork needed to reverse decisions and how to submit needed documents, including an online option, if available; and Whereas, Action must be taken to ensure that vital resources are not abruptly cut off during a period of transition, which could contribute to job loss, food insecurity and homelessness; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation that would provide a grace period before terminating public assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a change in income and/or employment to allow time to contest the termination of benefits or prepare for the termination. CP LS 9695 1/11/19