Senator Chris Ryan Passes First Bill for Automatic HEAP Re-Enrollment

Joins the Senate Majority to Lower Utility Costs and Protect Ratepayers Across New York

Today, Senator Christopher Ryan passed his first bill in the New York State Senate, working to ease access to the Home Energy Assistance Program, otherwise known as HEAP, which provides subsidies to cover the cost of heating for low-income New Yorkers. His bill, S.1966, requires social services districts to automatically re-enroll persons or households for HEAP as long as they remain eligible, and was part of a package of bills passed by the Senate Democratic Majority to further protect ratepayers across New York State, address affordability, and support working families.

Senator Christopher Ryan said, “The people of New York are desperate for assistance to meet the cost of living; to pay for the simple things - like putting food on the table, lowering the cost of healthcare, and warming their homes in the winter. HEAP is a lifeline for the most vulnerable New Yorkers, and it is an honor that my first bill in this great house will be one that directly addresses this need, and helps people stay safe during arguably the hardest time of the year.”

This year, the $360 million in federal funds reserved for HEAP were depleted two months earlier than last year, resulting in applications for the regular HEAP benefit to be closed on January 21st. Governor Hochul allocated an additional $35 million for the program to re-open the applications, and hopes these funds will support the program through the remainder of the season. Senator Ryan sees this as further evidence of the importance of the program.

“As we have seen with the rising demand for this program, this benefit is more important now more than ever,” said Senator Christopher Ryan, “I am proud to pick up this bill from my predecessor, and hope to see it pass in the Assembly and be signed into law.”