Relates to increasing the standards of monthly need and home energy grant amounts for persons in receipt of public assistance

• Democratic41

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Roxanne J. Persaud says this is needed

Individuals receiving temporary assistance are provided monthly benefits to cover the cost of shelter, utilities, food and other necessities. Many families across the state rely on these benefits each month for payment of home heating bills or to purchase groceries, medications, clothing and other necessities. However, as utility costs and prices of goods have increased over the years, the grant amounts have not. The basic grant, intended to cover food and other necessities, was last raised in 2012. The utility grants have not been increased since the 1980s. Under current levels, a single adult is provided $158 to cover the cost of food and other necessities and an additional $14.10 for their home heating costs. New Yorkers receiving temporary assistance rely on these grants to help cover everyday costs of living, but because the grant amounts have not kept pace with inflation, it is increasingly difficult for families who rely on them to escape poverty. This legislation would adjust the basic grant and the utility grant amounts to account for inflation since the amounts were originally set in 1989 and 1981, respectively. By adjusting these amounts for inflation, individuals and families will be brought in line with the federal poverty level and be able to afford their everyday expenses, helping them to escape poverty and achieve self-sufficiency. HISTORY: 2024: S. 5270-A reported to Finance 2022: S. 9513 referred to Rules

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.