Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler has addressed concerns regarding potential layoffs affecting the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Lawler highlighted the importance of LIHEAP in supporting families in the Hudson Valley, especially during extreme weather conditions.

The program, responsible for aiding communities with energy costs, faces potential staff layoffs that could disrupt distribution of funds to states, territories, and tribal organizations. Lawler expressed concern over the staffing reductions and their potential impact on New York’s vulnerable populations.

“Although the approximately 20 to 24 LIHEAP staff members represent only a small portion of the broader HHS layoffs, their departure raises serious concerns about the program's capacity to operate effectively,” Lawler stated.

Referring to the fiscal year 2023, he noted that LIHEAP staff contributed to distributing $600 million to New York, assisting around 1.1 million households. This includes hundreds of thousands of households with seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young children.

“I respectfully urge you to ensure that the necessary personnel and resources remain in place to support LIHEAP's continued success,” Lawler concluded in his appeal.

Lawler, a bipartisan representative from New York's 17th Congressional District, north of New York City, is recognized as an effective freshman lawmaker from the 118th Congress. His district covers all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.