As winter approaches in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul urges the federal government to release $400 million for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), warning that thousands of New Yorkers could face heating shortages.
Shah J. Choudhury: Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday warned that delays from the federal government could leave thousands of residents without heat this winter. The $400 million allocated for HEAP has not yet been released, potentially delaying the program’s application process for those in need.
• HEAP applications usually begin in early November, but this year the process is delayed due to uncertainty over federal funding.
• Albany resident Marie Mayfield, a program beneficiary, said, “With the cold already here, I told my grandchildren to stay warm — for a senior on a fixed income, this assistance is vital.”
• Hochul stated, “Delaying this program is cruel to ordinary people who rely on it.”
• HEAP currently serves nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers, including the elderly, people with disabilities, children, and veterans.
• Under state law, if funds are not released, utility companies could theoretically cut electricity and heat for vulnerable households, which Hochul’s office has warned against.
Hochul Administration: “We cannot leave people alone in the cold — this money must be released immediately.”
Opposition: Rep. Elise Stefanik said, “Hochul herself sought restrictions on gas stoves, which could endanger residents.”
Winter is fast approaching in New York, utility bills are rising, and low-income households rely on HEAP as a critical lifeline. Delays in funding risk leaving many without timely support. This is more than a financial dispute — it is a human issue.
