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Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2007
Contact: John Collins
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Release #: 037-2007
Public Advocate Gotbaum Rallies Brooklyn Support for Bill to Help New Yorkers Access Public Benefits
BROOKLYN -- Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today called for support for her bill to provide New Yorkers seeking public benefits at city offices, on-site assistance from knowledgeable advocates. The Public Advocate was joined by the Brennan Center Strategic Fund and the Bushwick non-profit, Make the Road by Walking.
The bill, Ready Access to Assistance Act (REAACT), would allow advocates to set up information tables in the public areas of public benefits offices of city agencies. Under REAACT, benefit-seekers would be able to enlist an advocate to represent them in their meetings with agency caseworkers and access valuable information, as well as translation/interpretation assistance. The bill would allow New Yorkers, particularly those whose primary language is not English, to navigate the difficult and complicated process of applying for public benefits and services.
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, “People seeking benefits often don’t understand what information is required of them, and don’t know their rights when they are wrongly denied benefits or services. Whether you’re applying for public assistance or food stamps, facing tenancy termination proceedings or trying to navigate the child welfare system, advocates should be there on the premises to help you. This bill is an important first step in that direction.”
David Pedulla, Research Associate at the Brennan Center, said, "By allowing non-profit organizations to run help desks in public benefits offices, REAACT offers a cost-free way to strengthen the public benefits system in NYC. People will be able to obtain assistance in ways that make our public benefits system more accurate and efficient. Building on this City's strong history of cooperation between non-profits and government, the bill is an important step to ensure that the basic needs of low-income New Yorkers are met."
Andrew Friedman, Co-Director of Make the Road by Walking, said, “This bill will be incredibly helpful to low-income New Yorkers, who need all the help they can get as they navigate through the maze-like public assistance system.”
Co-sponsored by Council Members Bill de Blasio and Eric Gioia, Public Advocate Gotbaum introduced the bill in 2006. Drafted by the Brennan Center, the bill, which currently has 32 New York City Council co-sponsors, would help New Yorkers access food stamps, cash assistance, Medicaid, child care benefits, and subsidized housing. The law would take effect 90 days after the bill is passed.
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