The inaction of Gov. Cuomo and the Assembly Majority is on full display again as they put New York at risk of losing over $120 million in federal aid to support the neediest New Yorkers. The federal government has set a February 22nd deadline to institute a law that prevents welfare dollars from being used to purchase lottery tickets, alcohol, cigarettes, blackjack, and lap dances. This common-sense reform is being held up because of their inaction.

Welfare programs have a purpose: to get New Yorkers through a rough time until they find work and can provide for their family once more. To allow for the blatant waste of our tax dollars to continue is irresponsible and puts the future of struggling New Yorkers in jeopardy. The result of a $120 million loss in federal funding could be catastrophic for those in our communities affected by New York’s terrible business climate. I have introduced a package that not only will save us from losing $120 million in federal funds, but will also ensure that the “safety net” doesn’t become a web that keeps those going through hard times down at the expense of the community.

The first part of my package is the Public Assistance Integrity Act. This act will pull New York up to the established federal standard that puts us at risk of losing federal funding. The act was passed in the State Senate last year; it was not acted on by the Assembly Majority, and the governor made no plea to Speaker Silver to get it to the floor to save New York the embarrassment of losing the funding. The bill will prevent public assistance from being used on the aforementioned vices, ensuring that funding goes toward feeding hungry children rather than the next bottle of alcohol or pack of cigarettes.

The second part of my package puts an end to “welfare tourism.” Our state sees individuals every year who come to New York and take advantage of our generous system. They move and immediately enroll in public assistance programs because of how easy it is to receive benefits. This practice is welfare tourism. I’ve introduced a bill that establishes a one-year residency requirement on Medicaid assistance. Our tax dollars should be helping New Yorkers get back on their feet, and these New Yorkers should be established members of our community before seeking to use the system.

The third aspect of my plan is to establish drug screenings as a pre-qualification for receiving public assistance. If you have to pass a drug test to gain employment, I believe you should have to pass one to receive public assistance. This encourages those seeking assistance to get clean and sober, which not only benefits the person from a health standpoint, but it also makes them more employable and puts their life back on track. We must do everything we can to make sure welfare benefits are used properly for the benefit of those who sincerely need them and use them as a stepping stone to get back on their feet.

I would encourage anyone who supports my plan to clean up the welfare program to contact my district office at 716-655-0951 to get involved. If you would like to discuss any other local or state issue, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to building a coalition to continue moving New York in the right direction.