Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) supports a platform of welfare reform, and to honor his promises to the people of Wyoming and Erie counties, he has penned legislation that tackle welfare reform head-on.

“If the hardworking people of our state are going to continue funding social welfare programs, then we need to clean them up, as they are often abused. Too frequently, programs meant to be a temporary helping hand are abused long-term by those seeking to make the social safety net a comfortable hammock,” DiPietro said. “Social welfare programs aren’t designed to be a way of life. It’s time to end the abuse of welfare dollars going toward illicit drugs; additionally, anyone receiving New York taxpayer dollars should be a resident of New York.”

To address these concerns, DiPietro has authored Assembly Bill 6146, requiring recipients of public assistance to pass a drug test as a pre-qualification to receiving benefits. The recipient will also be subject to random drug testing and reasonable suspicion drug testing. DiPietro will also be signing onto Assembly Bill 322, which requires recipients of public assistance to be residents of New York for 90 days before applying for said assistance. Both bills have been referred to the Assembly Social Services Committee.

Earlier this year, it was discovered that social welfare assistance had been used at multiple late night entertainment venues in New York through the use of EBT Cards. Assistance provided through taxpayer funds was used at liquor stores, bars and x-rated video shops, among other locations. In an effort to curb this type of abuse, Assemblyman DiPietro has signed onto Assembly Bill 3050, which bans the practice.

“I encourage my constituents to stand up for accountability and pledge to support this cause by contacting my office so I can show that state residents are behind this bill in the People’s House,” DiPietro said.

For more information, please contact DiPietro’s district office at (585) 786-0180. He can also be reached via e-mail at dipietrod@assembly.state.ny.us or on Facebook as Assemblyman David DiPietro.