Senator Clinton and Congresswoman Velazquez Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Safety Net for Unemployed Workers

Press Release

Bill Would Extend Access to Food Stamps for over 76,500 New York Workers Without Dependents

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez introduced legislation to strengthen the food stamp program for unemployed workers, providing needed assistance to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in need. The Food Security Act of 2008 would extend the eligibility for workers without dependants to receive food stamps from 3 months to 12 months per three-year period.

"As our nation faces the highest unemployment in years along with soaring fuel prices and rising food costs, many New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet," said Senator Clinton. "For too many, the challenge is not choosing between a gallon of milk and a gallon of gas, it's finding enough food to survive. This critical legislation will ease the burden of putting food on the table while they work hard to get back on their feet."

"Strengthening the food stamps program will encourage growth in our communities by quickly driving millions of dollars into local businesses," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "This legislation offers a proven stimulus that will help turn our economy around."

According to the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, over 76,500 New York residents are workers without dependants who receive food stamps. In June 2008, over half a million New Yorkers were without jobs. As the economy continues to spiral downward the number of unemployed workers who would be eligible to participate in the program is likely to rise. The Food Security Act of 2008 would provide much needed benefits to unemployed workers struggling to find their next job.

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