CHENANGO COUNTY – County officials are taking action against what they say is an outdated state mandate that allows New York State non-residents to receive public assistance in Chenango County.

The Chenango County Board of Supervisors has voted unanimously to request that the State of New York establish a residency requirement in order for welfare applicants to receive public assistance. A residency requirement would mandate that anyone who is applying for welfare benefits show proof that they have a permanent residence in the state during the application process.

“At this point, for someone to get benefits in New York State, they don’t have to have a term of residency,” explained Bette Osborne, commissioner of the Chenango County Department of Social Services. “The New York State Constitution says the state will provide for people within its borders... As long as someone has spent the last night here in the state and the county is required to provide them with public assistance.”