ALBANY – Chautauqua County’s representative in the state Assembly says New York is now the Welfare Capitol of the United States. That’s according to an article in today’s Jamestown Post-Journal, which says Assemblyman Andrew Goodell (R-Jamestown) is heavily criticizing a 10 percent increase in state welfare benefits, calling it “mind boggling.”
The increase in cash to welfare recipients was negotiated by state lawmakers prior to last week’s 2012-13 state budget passage. The state’s fiscal year started Sunday. The overall increase in welfare benefits was heavily backed by Assembly Democrats, and equally derided by their Republican housemates.
Goodell and his fellow members in the GOP believe that when welfare benefits are increased, the motivation to go out and seek employment is reduced. He also claims the continued increases are due to New York City lawmakers, many of whom have constituents who receive some form of government assistance.
Earlier this week, Gov. Andrew Cuomo hailed the increase, saying he was able to secure additional funding for the hike through the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
The increases to welfare benefits will take place in two phases later this year – one coming July 1 and another on Oct. 1 It marks the third consecutive year in which benefits have been raised.
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