NYC Bar Association Panel Discussion: Welfare’s Future in NYC; WRI’s Co-Director, Maureen Lane will be a part of the panel discussion.

Dear Friends,

The NYS legislative session ended without passing bill S1419.  The bill is essential to maximize access to higher education and vocational training programs under federal rules for families and individuals receiving welfare in NYS.  The law will help thousands of students at CUNY and all over the state to stay in school and move from welfare to economic security.

Thank you to WRI students, alums, donors, partners and friends for your collective efforts to rally elected officials.  The bill requires more awareness and greater prioritization on the Senate leadership’s docket and we will continue to fight for the appropriate attention and support this piece of legislation deserves.

Studies show time and again that pushing families into the first low-wage job available ends up in long-term cycling on and off of welfare, whereas, allowing people to earn degrees places them in employment that results in moving from welfare permanently.

We will enlist your support once again this fall as we continue to advocate for college students struggling to stay on track with their studies.

Voting in next election (2014) can have a priorities impact in NYS, NYC and on the U.S. Congressional level.  We urge you to vote.

At WRI, we know getting an education is the surest route out of poverty. This is why we are participating in a special panel discussion about the future of welfare policy under the next administration, hosted by the NYC Bar Association on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 6-7:30pm. At this forum, we have the opportunity to inspire and engage mayoral hopefuls and other city leaders to remove the barriers that too often hold people back from achieving financial independence.  The event is free and open to the public.  Come and add your voice to the process.

If you have any question please contact Maureen at: mlane@hunter.cuny.edu

Warmest regards,

Mo, Dee and Roxy