Dear President Pro Tempore Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie,

I am writing on behalf of the state’s workforce development sector, including our members and partners at the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP).  NYATEP is a statewide workforce development association representing over 200 of New York’s education, job training, postsecondary and employment providers. NYATEP’s members serve over 1.2 million New Yorkers annually in education and employment services, and support thousands of businesses in their regions as they upskill and employ talent.

To ensure this economic recovery is equitable and does not leave New Yorkers behind, we ask that the Senate and Assembly include S6589 Persaud/A7534 Rosenthal in the one-house budget resolutions for FY2023. This legislation proposes a 100% earned income disregard to allow individuals completing a state or federally subsidized employment program to retain full public assistance benefits for six months for purposes of mitigating a "benefits cliff".

Under current law, New Yorkers are often deterred from participating in subsidized employment and training due to the “benefits cliff”, meaning New Yorkers are losing critical public assistance as they gain nominal income. We support S6589 and respectfully recommend that it is expanded thereby establishing a 6-month, 100% income disregard for New Yorkers receiving cash assistance, as well as benefits related to food, housing, childcare, etc. for New Yorkers participating in any government funded job training, adult or postsecondary education programs, and/or subsidized and unsubsidized employment opportunities. This additional assistance includes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Supplemental Security Income, New York Child Care Subsidy Program, Section 8-Housing Choice Voucher Program, and/or Emergency Housing Voucher Choice Program.

We know that New Yorkers agree that lifting people out of poverty is critical. Last summer, NYATEP conducted public polling done throughout New York State indicated an overwhelming majority of registered voters support policies that make it easier for those on public assistance gain family sustaining jobs.  Additionally, this legislation has overwhelming public support from the workforce sector, business community, non-profit organizations, among other as it will enable community colleges and training programs to connect more New Yorkers to paid work experience, apprenticeship programs, internships, etc.

We, the undersigned, thank you for your consideration of our request.