STATEMENT BY ANTHONY COLES, SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE MAYOR, ON THE CITIZENS BUDGET COMMISSION REPORT REGARDING WELFARE
"Over the past three and half years the Giuliani administration has effectively revolutionized the welfare system in New York City and moved almost three hundred thousand New Yorkers from dependency to self sufficiency.
The City's expansion of the workfare program and implementation of strict but fair eligibility requirements for public assistance have become a model for the rest of the country, and anticipated many of the provisions of the new federal welfare law.
Judging by its report, the Citizens Budget Commission was hard pressed to find any significant issues with the City's current program. The few concerns it raises are based on unfamiliarity with how the administration's program actually works at the ground level, and are unfounded. It overlooks the fact that the wefare rolls have declined by almost 25 percent.
Unfortunately, Ray Horton's unofficial advisory role in the Messinger campaign has disqualified him and the CBC from playing any independent watchdog role and any report the CBC issues should be considered accordingly."
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