STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that Commissioner of the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance David A. Hansell will resign his position to become Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Governor Paterson issued the following statement:

“During his tenure at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Commissioner Hansell has helped to broaden the scope of the agency’s mission from moving individuals from welfare to work to a focus on enhancing the economic security for all of the State’s low-income individuals and families. He has successfully expanded eligibility and streamlined access to the food stamp program, achieving record enrollment of eligible households; launched myBenefits.ny.gov, New York’s first online portal that serves as an e-government hub for human services; co-chaired my Economic Security Cabinet; and expanded education and training opportunities for low-income New Yorkers.

“Commissioner Hansell’s leadership has put the State in a better position to respond to the economic downturn, ensuring that the most vulnerable New Yorkers do not fall through the cracks. He has been a valued member of my Administration and will undoubtedly bring the same focus to his new position in Washington with the Obama Administration.”

Commissioner Hansell issued the following statement:

“With the Governor’s foresight and leadership, we have taken major strides toward enhancing the economic security of low-income New Yorkers during this historic economic downturn. We have achieved record enrollment in the food stamp program, increased the welfare grant for the first time in 19 years, expanded access to education and training programs for public assistance recipients, launched the myBenefits website, and brought millions of dollars in increased federal funding to the State for benefits and services to families in need. Governor Paterson’s support has been critical to these and other accomplishments, and for that I am grateful.”

Commissioner Hansell’s resignation will be effective on June 26, 2009.