THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

City Hall
New York, NY 10007
                                                                                                                                             (212) 788-7116
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 4, 2012

Contact: (212) 788-7116
Release # 003-2012

Joint Statement by Speaker Christine C. Quinn and General Welfare Committee Chair Annabel Palma
Re: Governor Cuomo Announcing the End of Finger Imaging Requirements for Food Stamp Applicants

“Governor Cuomo’s action is an enormous victory for New Yorkers in need, and for all those who have fought to put an end to the detrimental practice of finger imaging food stamp applicants.

The Governor’s announcement today will eliminate a senseless barrier that, for too long, has prevented tens of thousands of qualified New Yorkers from receiving the assistance they need to feed themselves and their families. 

Time and time again, it’s been proven that finger imaging is unnecessary and wastes hundreds of thousands of tax dollars each year, while keeping people from receiving federally funded food stamps.

Thanks to Governor Cuomo, no longer will residents of the greatest and richest City in the world go hungry.  The days of criminalizing poverty in the five boroughs are coming to an end. “
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