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Commissioner's Welcome Message
Message from Commissioner David A. Hansell
Our work at OTDA focuses on assisting families and individuals in New York who – for a variety of reasons – need some help in achieving economic security so that they can improve their lives and move towards a greater degree of self-sufficiency.
With more than a decade of welfare reform behind us, the number of families relying on welfare has dropped dramatically, with more than a million people leaving the rolls for the workforce. But now, we face a much broader task. In addition to emphasizing employment as a path to self-sufficiency, we are working to help low-income, working families who are also struggling to reach that goal and meet their basic needs. Still, we recognize that, for many, employment is not the most immediate or realistic goal and will continue efforts to get them the services needed to help them achieve their greatest level of independence and self-sufficiency.
OTDA carries out its mission thanks to the hard work of our dedicated employees, and that of our partners in local government, and in the private and nonprofit sectors. We strive to do our best every day and remain committed to the people who are depending on us to help them make a better life in our great state.
I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about what we do, including details on our programs and services, how to apply for them and how well we are performing.
I am also interested in hearing more from all New Yorkers about how we are doing or areas where we can improve. Please feel free to use the e-mail address below to contact me with your thoughts, concerns and ideas.
Only with your help can we ensure that all New Yorkers have a chance at achieving self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.
Send an e-mail to Commissioner Hansell at commissioner@otda.state.ny.us.