In re Coopersberg

The provisions of section 155 of the Public Welfare Law expressly provide that information respecting the receipt of public relief shall be considered confidential and shall be disclosed only at meetings of the legislative body or to the State Board of Social Welfare or to persons or agencies entitled to the information in the opinion of the Commissioner. The public policy expressed in this statute is founded upon the desirability that the identity of those accepting public relief should not be disclosed lest worthy recipients be discouraged from applying for relief by reason of the publicity…