The state legislature and Governor Pataki agreed last week to spend $1.5 billion in surplus federal welfare dollars for the fiscal year ending next March, a move that sent sighs of relief through the world of social services.
The state budget items some criticize as “pork” actually help keep some social services groups running, but with the governor calling to trim any “extras” from the budget, these groups are now preparing to slash programs from food delivery to counseling.
As the demand for public assistance is expected to grow, the city settled a two-year legal battle last week promising to provide food stamp services and materials in every applicant’s native tongue.
While a handful of job centers still flounder without operating computer systems four weeks after the Trade Center attacks, the city has streamlined the re-application process for benefits due to expire in December in a push to minimize crowds at the centers.
After months of delays, state leaders began to complete their unfinished budget work last week, agreeing to spend part of their surplus federal welfare dollars on child care for low-income families.
Albany hasn’t yet revoked the “bare bones” budget from last July, and New York State’s social service agencies are getting closer to slashing services and laying off staff.
Many automated teller machines have been down since last Tuesday’s disaster, leaving those who use food stamps unable to access their benefits.
To prepare for confusion about public assistance eligibility, legal and welfare advocates will set up camp outside welfare hearing rooms.
One day after advocates for the poor sued the mayor for failing to train welfare recipients for employment, Giuliani strikes back against the pols who backed them up.
As state legislators dare Gov. Pataki with a $2 billion cut to social services, providers look on with apprehension.
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