Dear New Yorker,
What a great way to kick off the New Year!
Yesterday in his State of the State Address, Governor Cuomo announced the end of finger imaging requirements for food stamp applicants.
This is something that we've been pushing hard for here at the NYC Council.
Please join us in thanking the Governor for making this a priority! You can send him a message by email at http://www.governor.ny.gov/contact/GovernorContactForm.php.
Below is a statement from Council Member Palma and me in response to this terrific victory.
Thanks and have a good night!
Best,
Chris Quinn
Speaker
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
CITY HALL
NEW YORK, NY 10007
(212) 788-7116
**For Immediate Release**
January 4, 2012
_______________________________________________
Contact: (212) 788-7116
Release # 003-2012
Joint Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn and General Welfare Committee Chair Annabel Palma
Re: Governor Cuomo Announcing the End of Finger Imaging Requirements for Food Stamp Applicants
"Governor Cuomo's action is an enormous victory for New Yorkers in need, and for all those who have fought to put an end to the detrimental practice of finger imaging food stamp applicants.
The Governor's announcement today will eliminate a senseless barrier that, for too long, has prevented tens of thousands of qualified New Yorkers from receiving the assistance they need to feed themselves and their families.
Time and time again, it's been proven that finger imaging is unnecessary and wastes hundreds of thousands of tax dollars each year, while keeping people from receiving federally funded food stamps.
Thanks to Governor Cuomo, no longer will residents of the greatest and richest City in the world go hungry. The days of criminalizing poverty in the five boroughs are coming to an end. "