Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Proposed Cuts To SSI

Governor Paterson’s proposed Executive Budget for 2009-2010 does NOT preserve the safety net for SSI beneficiaries.

Although there has been no increase in the state supplement for 20 years, this year, Governor Paterson is proposing to cut the state supplement to SSI payments for New Yorkers who are aged, blind or have a disability by over 25% for individuals and couples living alone in the community and 45-70% for those living with others.

In June 2009, the monthly state supplement would be reduced:
for individuals living in the community: from $87 to $63 for couples: from $104 to $77 for individuals living with others: from $23 to $7 for couples living with others: from $46 to $25.

Despite the expected cost of living increase to the federal benefit, individuals who depend on their SSI income in order to pay their rent or buy their groceries cannot afford the proposed cuts to state benefits.

Now more than ever we need to preserve the safety net for SSI beneficiaries.
Now is the time to urge the Governor to rescind his proposal to cut critical SSI benefits of vulnerable New Yorkers!

CALL THE GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC LINE AT 518-474-8390 AND LEAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:

"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge Governor Paterson: Not to balance the budget on the backs of SSI beneficiaries: restore the SSI cut!"