SNAP Oversight Under Fire: Lawmakers Say OTDA Must Stay Neutral

Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference are raising concerns about what they describe as partisan messaging from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). In a letter sent this week to Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn, Republican senators urged the agency to avoid politically charged language in official communications and focus instead on strengthening oversight and reducing fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The letter was prompted by recent statements from Commissioner Guinn, who referred to proposed federal changes to SNAP—including expanded work requirements for able-bodied adults ages 18 to 54—as “cruel” and “unthinkable.” Senate Republicans say such language mirrors campaign rhetoric and is inappropriate for a nonpartisan agency.

“The use of state resources to amplify partisan messaging must cease immediately,” the letter reads. “Language such as describing the federal changes as ‘cruel’ or ‘unthinkable’ more closely resembles campaign rhetoric than the neutral, fact-based analysis expected from your department.”

Senator Joseph Griffo, who helped lead the effort, said OTDA’s mission should be centered on delivering services to all New Yorkers. “It would be more beneficial for OTDA to work collaboratively with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to improve the lives of all New Yorkers and their families,” Griffo said.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt added, “We are calling for an immediate stop to political messaging and urge a renewed focus on recouping the $40 million lost to fraud and theft in the SNAP program.”

According to the letter, New York accounted for just 7% of the nation’s SNAP recipients between 2022 and 2024 but was responsible for 18% of reported fraud—resulting in over $40 million in losses. The senators urged the agency to prioritize reforms, including adopting chip technology on EBT cards to combat skimming and unauthorized access.

Senator Dean Murray, ranking member of the Senate Social Services Committee, said addressing that fraud should be the commissioner’s top priority. “With a state budget of $254 billion, there really is no excuse for not getting it done,” Murray said.

In contrast, Democratic lawmakers have generally defended the commissioner’s remarks, arguing that the federal changes could lead to hardship for vulnerable New Yorkers who may struggle to meet the new work requirements. Supporters of the commissioner’s position say strong language is warranted when advocating for the most at-risk populations, and they view the proposed federal changes as punitive.

They also note that the commissioner’s comments reflect the concerns of many advocacy organizations and social service providers, who warn the new rules could result in food insecurity for individuals facing barriers to employment, including transportation issues, health challenges, or caregiving responsibilities.

The letter to Commissioner Guinn was signed by Senators Joseph Griffo, Rob Ortt, Dean Murray, Andrew Lanza, George Borrello, Pam Helming, Tom O’Mara, Anthony Palumbo, Daniel Stec, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Alexis Weik, Steve Rhoads, William Weber, and Steve Chan.

The senators emphasized their willingness to work with OTDA on reforms, but called on the agency to maintain neutrality in public communications and focus its efforts on delivering results for recipients and taxpayers alike.