2007 NYSAC Press Releases
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NYSAC Applauds Gov’s Sustainable Wage Veto: Governor’s Signature will Undermine Welfare Reform
August 1, 2007
Measure would have undermined decade old reforms to welfare system
Sustainable wage unattainable; will leave counties, taxpayers and recipients with less $$
The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) applauds Governor Eliot Spitzer for vetoing a measure that would have dismantled New York’s welfare reform program.
The New York State Association of Counties is disappointed with Governor Eliot Spitzer for signing into law a measure that will almost certainly dismantle New York’s welfare reform program.
The measure (S.3201/A.3366) is designed to require counties and the City of New York to change their welfare-to-work programs to emphasize education and training for "sustainable-wage jobs." It defines such jobs as those paying 185 percent of the poverty level.
“The way this law is written, it will almost certainly have a negative impact on counties and the people we serve,” said Stephen J. Acquario, NYSAC executive director. “We should not be taking away the necessary flexibility to consider the multitude of factors involved with helping people find work. This runs counter to what we should be doing, which is rewarding counties and local departments of social services for progress and innovation.”
Federal law requires that New York State meet a work participation rate for public assistance recipients. This legislation would not only take away the local districts' flexibility with regard to each individual's employment, it would put New York State's work participation rate in jeopardy, and cost the State and counties millions in penalties (roughly $110 million).
The work requirements that were part of the early Welfare Reform program targeted positions that required menial tasks, such as leaf raking and snow shoveling, and provided no quantifiable skills development. Changes on the local level, in New York City and in counties across the state, shifted the program to emphasize placement into positions that foster career development and economic mobility.
“The goal for individuals who are entering the job market for the first time, whether they just graduated high school or are participating in a welfare-to-work program, should be to build up experience and develop an employment history,” said Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli, NYSAC’s first vice president. “County social service workers try to find the best possible employment situation for each recipient, and consider including skills, experience and other factors when they are doing that.”
Currently, county social service employees are responsible for meeting recipients, helping them connect with opportunities and finding them jobs that will give them the experience and skills they need for long term success.
“The success of welfare reform in New York State is the result the innovative work of the county employees who administer the program,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “This legislation was designed to take that innovative flexibility out of counties’ hands.”
The New York State Association of Counties is a bipartisan municipal association serving all 62 counties of New York State including the City of New York. Organized in 1925, NYSAC’s mission is to represent, educate and advocate for member counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.
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For more information about NYSAC, our advocacy efforts or specific reporter requests or questions, contact Mark LaVigne or call NYSAC at 518-465-1473.
2007 Press Releases
- Albany County Executive Michael Breslin Receives Excellence in Leadership Award--June 20, 2007
- NYSAC to Host Municipal Energy Coalition's Bid Opening for Renewable Energy Credits-- June 19, 2007