BILL NUMBER: S4257A
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to access to educa-
tional activities by public assistance recipients who are subject to
work participation requirements
 
PURPOSE:
Allows individuals receiving public assistance to be able to pursue a
college education. Allows college course work to be credited as a work
activity, which can be used toward fulfilling the employment require-
ments for public assistance benefits. Also changes the amount of time
that a participant in a vocational school can spend in preparation for a
GED from 25% to 50%.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Section 336-a pf the social services law, as amended by
section 148 of part B of chapter 436 of the laws of 1997, subdivision 1
as amended by chapter 275 of the laws of 2017, is amended.
Section 2: This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day
after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition,
amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary for the
implementation of the provisions of this act on its effective date are
authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Higher education is a path to self-sufficiency. By assisting individuals
to gain greater access to higher education they are given the opportu-
nity to pursue professional careers, instead of simply getting a job. It
has been shown through numerous reports that simply obtaining employment
does not significantly help an individual to overcome financial hard-
ship. Individuals with minimum education and low skilled jobs are the
first to be laid off during times of economic trouble. By allowing indi-
viduals to fulfill their TANF work requirements while pursuing a college
degree, those individuals will be better equipped to compete in the
labor market and have more opportunity for upward mobility.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S6696- Referred to Social Services
2021-22: S5286 - Referred to Social Services
2019-20: S.4870 - Referred to Social Services
2017-18: S.2698 - REFERRED TO SOCIAL SERVICES
2015-16: S.2861/A.8586 - Referred to Social Services
2013-14: S.621 - Referred to Social Services
2011-12: S.1062/A5256 - Referred to Social Services
2009-10: S.2162/A.10496 - Referred to Social Services
2007-08: S.2478/A.3036 - Referred to Social Services
2005-06: S.638/A.10651 - Referred to Social Services
2001-02: A.7286A 5.7313- Referred to Social Services
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall become law, provided, however, that effective immediately, the
addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rules or regulations necessary
for the implementation of the foregoing section of this act on its
effective date is authorized and directed to be made and completed on or
before such effective date.