2010 New York Code
SOS - Social Services
Article 2 - (5 - 40) DEPARTMENT AND STATE BOARD OF SOCIAL WELFARE
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.