Portrait of Kathy Hochul
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Kathy Hochul on HEAP Program

Strong supporter (strong)

TL;DR

Governor Kathy Hochul strongly advocates for maintaining and ensuring the timely release of federal and state funding for the crucial Home Energy Assistance Program.

Key Points

  • She called on the Trump administration to release federal heating assistance funds when they were delayed.

  • Her administration announced that New Yorkers could apply for HEAP benefits for both heating and cooling assistance as of late 2025.

  • The Governor's office has directed the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance regarding HEAP policy and procedural updates.

Summary

Governor Kathy Hochul has consistently expressed strong support for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), emphasizing its critical role in helping New Yorkers manage high energy costs during extreme weather. Her administration has actively worked to ensure state mechanisms are in place to distribute both federal and state funds efficiently, often through the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). A key focus has been the prompt application and disbursement of aid, particularly when federal funding faced potential delays or impasses.

Her position has included publicly calling on federal entities, such as the Trump administration, to release allocated heating assistance funds promptly to prevent service gaps for vulnerable residents. Furthermore, the Governor has also announced programs extending assistance beyond traditional heating, such as funding to help New Yorkers stay cool during the summer months, demonstrating an expanded view of utility assistance supported by state action when federal streams were insufficient or delayed.

Key Quotes

"It's shameful that Washington Republicans want to leave New Yorkers out in the cold by cutting off federal funds for heating assistance,"

Frequently Asked Questions

Kathy Hochul is a strong advocate for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), viewing it as vital for New York residents facing high utility bills. She consistently pushes for the timely distribution of both federal and state funds to ensure aid reaches those who need it most.

There is no public evidence to suggest Governor Hochul has changed her fundamental stance, which is one of consistent support for the program. Her actions show a commitment to securing and efficiently administering the assistance, including expanding its scope to include cooling assistance.

When federal heating assistance funds were threatened or delayed, Kathy Hochul used her platform to publicly demand their release from the federal government. She framed the withholding of funds as unacceptable for New Yorkers depending on the assistance.

Sources10

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.