Photo Courtesy of the Office of the Governor
“While the federal administration steps on the backs of workers, New York State is stepping up to help in any way we can,” Gov. Cuomo said on Thursday.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday directed state agencies to provide support for federal workers impacted by the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Cuomo called for the State Department of Labor to provide increased support to workers seeking unemployment insurance benefits and the State’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help those working without pay apply for and obtain public assistance benefits.
The Department of Labor has been directed to accelerate the Unemployment Insurance application process and extend the hours at the Call Center. The governor has also directed the Department of Labor to work with the federal unions to make sure their members are made aware of these benefits.
In addition, some furloughed federal workers or federal employees who are still working but not receiving a paycheck may also be eligible for emergency assistance to help meet basic needs through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Even households that are not traditionally eligible for public assistance may be eligible for short-term assistance to help pay rent or buy food if they do not have resources readily available to them due to loss of income. Anyone interested in receiving this help or learning about what programs they may be eligible for are encouraged to visit otda.ny.gov/programs/apply/.
On Jan. 14, OTDA announced that most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will receive their full February benefits early due to the ongoing shutdown. Current SNAP recipients may have already received their February benefits. OTDA also urged the SNAP recipients receiving their benefits early to budget accordingly due to the uncertainty caused by the shutdown.
The State Public Service Commission also announced on Thursday that New York’s major electric and gas utilities are implementing special collection practices for customers furloughed and those working without pay due to the federal government shutdown. The State’s major utilities have committed to assist federal employees who may be experiencing a financial hardship that makes it difficult for them to pay their energy bills during the government shutdown, keeping these provisions in place for the duration of the shutdown and until they get paid.
“It is unconscionable that the President is holding hostage the wages and livelihoods of hard-working Americans in an attempt to advance his hateful and regressive political agenda,” Cuomo said. “While the federal administration steps on the backs of workers, New York State is stepping up to help in any way we can. These measures will ensure furloughed federal workers in New York receive prompt and special one-on-one services so they can obtain the vital safety-net benefits they need during this hard time.”
And on Tuesday, Cuomo directed the State University of New York and City University of New York to assist students with college-related expenses during the shutdown. Payments for tuition and related college expenses will be postponed, and no late fees or penalties will be charged to impacted students. This temporary reprieve will apply to federal employees, dependents of federal employees, and students who are dependent on loans from the federal government that may be delayed, the governor noted.
