New York State and Rockefeller Institute of Government to Host Welfare Researchers

• by New York State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance

ALBANY, NY (06/25/2009)(readMedia)-- The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the Rockefeller Institute of Government are co-hosting the 49th National Association for Welfare Research and Statistics (NAWRS) conference July 12-15, at the Crowne Plaza in Albany.

The conference will bring together representatives from federal, state and local government, from universities, and from the private and non-profit sectors, representing the full spectrum of human services programs, to discuss the latest on efforts to reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency. It is the first time the conference has been held in New York.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner David A. Hansell said: "This conference is bringing together the leaders in the field to exchange ideas on how research and analysis can better help all of us in the human services field assist the individuals and families we serve. We are proud that this respected, national organization has selected New York as its host and we look forward to a productive and enlightening gathering."

Rockefeller Institute Co-Director Thomas L. Gais said: "This is a difficult yet extraordinary time in the history of the U.S. safety net. Economic needs have skyrocketed, state budgets are slashed, while the federal government is putting an unprecedented amount of money into health, income support, and social service programs. The NAWRS workshop will bring together people from all over the country with the best on-the-ground understanding of the changes and what they mean for people in poverty and looking for jobs or trying to hold onto jobs. In just a couple of years, I think we'll see a very different safety net and division of responsibilities between the federal and state governments. This workshop will be the first national forum to provide a glimpse of these profound and rapid changes."

The conference will place a special focus on fashioning effective short-term responses to the anticipated growing economic need as well as constructing longer-term strategies to reduce poverty and economic deprivation in America. Areas of discussion will include: How the recession is testing the nation's safety net; new government strategies to reduce poverty; rebuilding the federal/state partnership; and improving the utility of research and analysis by government agencies and others in formulating effective responses to current and long-term need.

For more information on registering, visit: www.nawrs.org/Registrationmain.html. The conference program can be found at: www.nawrs.org/Schedule.pdf.

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