Res. No. 1007
Resolution calling upon the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly to reintroduce and pass and the Governor sign A.2956 and S.410, previously introduced by Assemblyman Keith Wright and Senator Liz Krueger during the 2011 legislative session, which would amend the social services law in relation to creating a uniform allowable exemption and disregard for a public assistance applicant with an automobile.
By Council Members Palma, Brewer, Comrie, Dromm, Ferreras, James, Lander, Mendez, Rose, Vann, Williams and Rodriguez
Whereas, Social Services Law in New York State places restrictions on eligibility for public assistance applicants based on several factors including, but not limited to, income level and the value of one's assets, which are also referred to as resources; and
Whereas, Automobiles are considered a resource when determining public assistance eligibility and in New York State recipients cannot own an automobile with a fair market value of more than $4,650; and
Whereas, If a public assistance recipient needs an automobile to work, or look for work, however, the allowable resource limit increases to an automobile with a fair market value of $9,300; and
Whereas, Resource limits vary by type of public assistance program, state, and by household composition; and also vary by whether one is applying for or currently receiving assistance; and
Whereas, For example, Supplemental Security Income ("SSI") excludes the value of one automobile from resources when determining eligibility; and
Whereas, Additionally, the federal food stamp program permits states to exempt one automobile per adult per household when determining eligibility; currently 32 states utilize this exemption; and
Whereas, The exclusion of one automobile when determining SSI and food stamp eligibility exists to protect people with disabilities who need a vehicle for transportation since permitting only those who need a car in order to work, or look for work, to own an automobile exceeding $4,650 creates a different eligibility standard for people with disabilities who cannot work and therefore is problematic in light of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and
Whereas, If New York State increased the allowable fair market value of automobiles when determining eligibility for public assistance to enable all recipients to own one automobile, with a value that does not exceed $9,300, this increase would take into account the effects of inflation and permit low income families in New York State to own reliable automobiles; and
Whereas, By extending this exemption to all public assistance recipients, individuals pursuing educational activities or training instead of employment would be able to own an automobile, which could help them achieve their educational goals and obtain employment in the future; and
Whereas, Such a change would make a particularly large impact in areas lacking accessible public transportation where individuals may not have any other form of transportation; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly to reintroduce and pass and the Governor sign A.2956 and S.410, previously introduced by Assemblyman Keith Wright and Senator Liz Krueger during the 2011 legislative session, which would amend the social services law in relation to creating a uniform allowable exemption and disregard for a public assistance applicant with an automobile.
EH
LS 2658
8/24/11