Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) addressed the Assembly chamber today with his concerns regarding the New York State Budget. While his speech touched upon a wide variety of issues, he honed his remarks in on the myriad of problems in New York’s social welfare programs.

“The social welfare net is now a taxpayer-funded hammock, begging and pleading for relief. New York State should be leading the nation by reforming social services and putting the focus on employment. Let us keep the social safety net there for those who truly need the hand up,” DiPietro said. “Let’s make it so EBT cards can no longer be used at strip clubs and liquor stores. Let’s make sure these funds used for helping individuals are truly used for the individual and not on illicit drugs. Let’s encourage a working state.”

Assemblyman 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 both random and reasonable suspicion drug testing. DiPietro has also signed onto Assembly bill 322, which lays out a residency requirement of 90 days before applying for assistance. Both bills have been referred to the Assembly Social Services Committee.

“With the bills I proposed, we can lead New Yorkers out of the cycle of poverty and work to achieve the end of the welfare state. Our citizens deserve better than the continuous downward spiral generated from the current welfare state. We must make finding employment an easier and far better alternative than living off the funds of your neighbors,” DiPietro said. According to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University in their Freedom in the 50 States Project, New York is ranked 47th in the ability to find a job and the economic freedom of the labor market. These anemic ratings contributed to New York being named the least free state in the nation.

For more information on Assemblyman DiPietro, please contact his district office at (585) 786-0180. The assemblyman can also be reached via email at dipietrod@assembly.state.ny.us. Find the assemblyman on Facebook as Assemblyman David DiPietro.