NEW YORK -- State Senator Daniel Squadron, the Senate sponsor of legislation that would end the practice of finger-imaging food stamp recipients, heralded today's announcement by the Governor that he will end the practice. Squadron issued the following statement:

Today, Governor Cuomo demonstrated great leadership by ending the counterproductive practice of finger-imaging food stamp recipients. 

Simply put, finger-imaging has deterred too many New Yorkers from accessing the food they need. It makes no sense for children to go to bed hungry while we waste local tax dollars on a senseless program that puts food farther out of reach.

I carry legislation along with Assemblyman Keith Wright that would end food stamp finger-imaging -- and I'm so pleased that Governor Cuomo has now achieved our bill's goal.

Today, New York catches up with the rest of the country and leaves Arizona behind as the remaining place where this discredited practice is still used.

Thanks to all of the advocates and elected officials who have long pushed for this, and especially to Governor Cuomo for a decision that will make a big difference in the lives of many New Yorkers who need it.

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