The latest changes to New York’s food stamp program show why welfare reform matters more than ever. While most of the state still has waivers on work requirements, these policies need serious review.

New York continues to hand out benefits with minimal accountability. The state’s ABAWD work requirements remain waived through February 2026 in most counties. Only Saratoga County actually enforces federal work rules for able-bodied adults without children.

This summer, the state distributed $120 per child through Summer EBT programs. These benefits went to families automatically in many cases. The program exists because schools provide free meals, but now taxpayers fund groceries when kids are home too.

Meanwhile, resource limits for SNAP benefits increased again in 2024. Households can now have $3,000 in assets and still qualify for food stamps. Families with elderly or disabled members can have $4,500 and still get benefits.

These policies create dependency instead of encouraging self-reliance. When government makes it easy to stay on assistance, people lose motivation to improve their situations. Work requirements exist for good reasons.

American taxpayers deserve better accountability for their hard-earned dollars. Every benefit should come with expectations and time limits. People need encouragement to develop job skills and find employment, not permanent government support.

The federal government may finally address these issues with upcoming budget reforms. If Washington cuts welfare spending, states like New York will have to prioritize truly needy families over able-bodied adults who could work.

Real compassion means helping people become independent, not keeping them dependent on government handouts. New York should embrace work requirements and time limits that encourage personal responsibility and self-sufficiency.