AARP New York Says More Action Needed On Home Energy Assistance

ALBANY, N.Y. — AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel issued the following statement today in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement of new protections and resources for New Yorkers struggling with home heating assistance.

AARP New York State Director Beth Finkel stated: “Governor Hochul’s decision to continue enrollment in the Energy Assistance Program is a good first step to addressing the lack of federal funding for the Heating Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). More action is needed for this critical lifeline.

By providing emergency funding to open HEAP as a stopgap measure until federal funding is released as well as issue a statewide moratorium on service terminations until HEAP benefits are received, Governor Hochul can help keep New Yorkers safe as cold weather increases, especially our older adults on fixed incomes. No New Yorker should face the threat of losing heat or power. We urge Governor Hochul to enact these measures immediately to provide essential heating assistance during the winter months.”

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About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.