- By New York State Governor's Office
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| Locally, the Lansing Food Pantry is offering assistance to TSA workers at the Ithaca-Tompkins Airport for the duration of the federal shutdown. | ||
"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," Governor 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."
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 state's 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.
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, "Federal workers adversely impacted by the ongoing government shutdown need to know that they may qualify for help while they are forced to go without a paycheck. It is important that they reach out to their local department of social services to find out what assistance may be available to them."
On January 14, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance announced that most recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive their full February benefits early due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Current SNAP recipients may receive their February benefits by Thursday, January 17. OTDA also urged the SNAP recipients receiving their benefits early to budget accordingly due to the uncertainty caused by the federal shutdown. More information is available here.
Additionally, the New York State Public Service Commission announced 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.
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