N.Y. Social Services Law § 36: Studies

§ 36. Studies. The department shall, in so far as available

appropriations will permit, study and collect information in relation to

(a) the number and conditions of persons who lack or are threatened

with the deprivation of the necessaries of life, or seek, or are

receiving public assistance or care and all matters pertaining thereto,

including the causes thereof and advise measures for their relief, and

also for the relief of those in receipt of aid from private charity;

(b) unemployment, poverty, economic distress and other problems of

social welfare generally as may be useful in the discharge of its duties

or contribute to the promotion of social and economic security;

(c) the number of recipients of aid in, and the receipts and

expenditures of, each public welfare district;

(d) dependency and local conditions relative thereto;

(e) such other matters in respect to public and private charities as

it may deem advisable;

and shall publish such information as it deems of public concern and

which may be of value in the performance of its duties.