HRA Hearing Today

Today, Public Advocate Gotbaum gave remarks at the General Welfare Committee Budget Hearing for the Human Resources Administration (HRA), encouraging HRA to adjust its policies and correct the problems at its Job Centers.

Gotbaum said, "I am concerned about the city’s position on able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs. President Obama’s stimulus package includes a provision that suspends the limit on how long ABAWDs can receive Food Stamps—while they look for work. But the Bloomberg administration says it is “not obligated” to accept this provision and has spoken in vague terms about expanding the Work Experience Program, ignoring the fact that ABAWDs are still required to look for work while they receive benefits. My office estimates that we could miss out on the opportunity to bring roughly $155 million into the city’s economy if the administration blows this decision." Read the submitted remarks.

Comments

[Imee]

Actually I'm fine if ABAWDs can accept stuff like food stamps while they're unemployed, given that those who need the benefits more are given priority than they. Other than that, I don't see any harm or wrong with it at all.