File #: Res 0721-2019    Version: * Name: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Committee: Committee on General Welfare
On agenda: 1/24/2019
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling 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.
Sponsors: Laurie A. Cumbo, Helen K. Rosenthal, Donovan J. Richards, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Diana I. Ayala, Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Vanessa L. Gibson, Margaret S. Chin, Ben Kallos, Adrienne E. Adams, Andrew Cohen, Alicka Ampry-Samuel , Deborah L. Rose, Carlina Rivera
Council Member Sponsors: 13
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 721, 2. January 24, 2019 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files, 3. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 1-24-19, 4. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - January 24, 2019, 5. Committee Report 2/4/19, 6. Hearing Testimony 2/4/19, 7. Hearing Transcript 2/4/19, 8. Committee Report 8/13/19, 9. Hearing Testimony 8/13/19, 10. Hearing Transcript 8/13/19, 11. August 14, 2019 - Stated Meeting Agenda with Links to Files, 12. Hearing Transcript - Stated Meeting 8-14-19, 13. Minutes of the Stated Meeting - August 14, 2019
Date Ver.Prime SponsorAction ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsMultimedia
8/14/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo City Council Approved, by CouncilPass Action details Meeting details Not available
8/13/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo Committee on General Welfare Hearing Held by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
8/13/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo Committee on General Welfare Approved by CommitteePass Action details Meeting details Not available
2/4/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo Committee on General Welfare Hearing Held by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
2/4/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo Committee on General Welfare Laid Over by Committee  Action details Meeting details Not available
1/24/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo City Council Referred to Comm by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available
1/24/2019*Laurie A. Cumbo City Council Introduced by Council  Action details Meeting details Not available

Res. No. 721

 

Resolution calling 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.

 

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