Bill > S00244

This bill establishes a 19-member fiscal cliff task force to study and address sudden decreases in public benefits that can occur when individuals experience small increases in earnings. The task force will include representatives from the state legislature, governor's office, and various state agencies, with members appointed to ensure geographic representation. The task force's primary responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive study of fiscal cliffs across multiple state assistance programs such as SNAP, HEAP, housing assistance, Medicaid, child care subsidies, and tax credits. They will examine the causes of fiscal cliffs, including how current program rules, asset tests, and income thresholds impact benefit recipients, and will develop recommendations to reduce or eliminate these sudden benefit reductions. The task force is required to submit a preliminary report by January 1, 2027, and a final report by September 1, 2027, both of which will include legislative proposals to implement their recommendations. Members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will provide administrative support. The bill will automatically expire three years after becoming law, ensuring a time-limited study and evaluation of this critical issue affecting public assistance recipients.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S244