Over one million New York households are at risk of entering winter without proper heating, due to Home Energy Heating assistance being delayed by the government shutdown.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides funding for utilities, such as heating, to low-income households. With the government shutdown and lack of federal budget, the program is left with no federal funding.
Last year, HEAP provided over $20 million in support to 52,000 low-income households in Central New York, according to statistics from Governor Hochul's office, an average of more than $400 for the year. Statewide, the program provided $200 million, helping 1.5 million households.
“New Yorkers should not be forced to choose between heating their homes and meeting other basic needs because of political gridlock in Washington,” State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said.
Applications for this funding usually open in early November; however, the start of these applications is being delayed until further notice.
As temperatures drop and the cold winter months creep in, many New York politicians worry for the well-being of households that cannot afford heating on their own.
“Here in New York State, we’re no stranger to harsh winters, and access to affordable home heating through HEAP can literally mean the difference between life and death for some families,” Representative Joe Morelle said.
Governor Kathy Hochul called on Washington Republicans Wednesday to end this shutdown and work as fast as possible to get this funding approved.