Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 4/15/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressing concern about the reported layoffs of staff responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a service that plays a vital role in assisting Hudson Valley families with their energy costs, particularly during the winter and summer months. 

The letter primarily sought to address concerns about any potential disruption of funding distribution to states, territories, and tribal organizations, with an emphasis on the impact any disruptions could have on New York’s most 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,” wrote Congressman Lawler (NY-17). 

“In FY2023, LIHEAP staff within the Office of Community Services helped to administer $600 Million in vital funds to New Yorkers  — providing energy assistance to approximately 1.1 million households, including 492,572 households with seniors, 391,776 households with individuals with disabilities, and 182,696 households that included a young child,” continued Lawler.

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

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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The full letter can be found HERE.