Legislative Memorandum 

Statement on Passage of Critical Legislation that Will Allow Disabled and Struggling New Yorkers on Public Assistance Own a Reliable Car

Empire Justice Center applauds the State Legislature and particularly bill sponsors Assemblymember Keith Wright and Senator Liz Krueger for passage of A. 1516/S.6680,  an important bill that will help low income New Yorkers who have a reliable car hold onto the car when they apply for public assistance. Under current law, applicants who are unable to work, including those who are waiting to receive federal disability benefits, were only able to own a car valued up to $4650. If the car was being used to look for or get to work it could be valued up to $9,300, something that most disabled people are unable to do. 

This change is particularly important in rural areas of our state where people need a car to get to medical appointments, attend meetings with caseworkers and undertake other basic activities like shopping for food and other necessities.  Without reliable transportation, these individuals risk being stranded, unable to make critical appointments and incurring expensive repair costs.

In addition, by increasing the threshold for all vehicles to $9300, the bill ensures that disabled people are not discriminated against and simplifies administration of the welfare program for the counties which administer the program.

This is a smart bill and we are hopeful that the Governor will enthusiastically sign it into law in the near future.

07/01/10