Statement From State Senator Martin Golden on the Passage of the Public Assistance Integrity Act

The Public Assistance Integrity Act, co-sponsored by Senator Golden, would bring more accountability and stricter guidelines on the use of welfare in New York State

Albany, NY – Following the State Senate’s passage of S966 The Public Assistance Integrity Act, State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn), a co-sponsor of this vital legislation, issued the following statement:

For too long, people have abused the welfare system to make unnecessary and frivolous purchases at the expense of not only the tax payer, but those who rely on these programs to support their families.

There is no reasonable justification for allowing people to purchase liquor, cigarettes, or use these funds at casinos. The purpose of this program is to help those in need provide food, clothing, and other necessities to live. There are even some folks who have been using these funds at strip clubs, allowing tax payer dollars to pay for what I believe to be a business that promotes the objectification and degradation of women throughout our city and state. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this legislation and call on the Assembly to stop stalling, and pass this legislation, which they have failed to do for the last two years. It is time that this practice ends.