Maltese for NYS 12th AD-HEAP Extender Bill

Maryann Maltese, Democratic Candidate for NYS Assembly 12th AD; announces that NYS just extended HEAP applicant time span August 31, 2020. Those eligible for assistance with LIPA or PSEG bills should immediately fill out HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program Benefits).

With the summer heat wave in effect and more usage of gas oriented appliances at home, many 12th Assembly District residents are eligible for HEAP, but you must apply as this grant does not need to be repaid. With COVID 19 Pandemic and State of Emergency Orders still existent its recommended that everyone apply to off-set your home budgets, said Maryann Maltese.

That is the immediate pressing concern for those residing in the 12th NYS Assembly District-to- fill out these applications while at home or able to drop into our local office in the district in Deer Park, 2 S. 2nd Street, Deer Park. HEAP staffers are able to provide you and your family with guidance either by phone or if you need to hand in paperwork pertaining to your pressing or immediate applications.

HEAP awards are need based, and with the surge in Electric Usage, a higher percentage of HEAP grant funds needs to be applied to consumers PSEG bills, presently it is a lower amount then benefits paid to LIPA. HEAP was established originally to help off-set costs of gas usage back in the 80's and since then, NYS expanded the program to include electric service and now expanded need to those impacted by COVID 19 Pandemic, said Maryann Maltese.

Don't be discouraged by the percentages provided to one's utility. It's imperative that NYS and the Governor increase percentages paid to PSEG on behalf of the consumer. Although NYS is discussing sanctioning PSEG-consumer past usage still needs to be paid-unless NYS is filing emergency injunctions against PSEG for past consumer usage bills as well. That quite frankly is not the case presently-but I do recommend, that HEAP pay a higher percentage of HEAP grant to consumers who have outstanding Electric Supplier Usage-PSEG, because it's the consumers who are responsible for eventual payments for their usage, said Maryann Maltese.

Additionally, once in Albany-I'll be introducing a bill that required HEAP to include WIFI-Cellular usage. HEAP was created to help low-income families-seniors with heating and has since expanded to covering replacement costs of Heating and Air condition systems. By introducing the bill language to include WIFI-Cellular usage for those individuals who are eligible-NYS is expanding up our understanding that Technology requires WIFI to work. WIFI is not free, major appliances like washers, dryers, ranges, microwaves, communications-are part of our daily life-and expanding HEAP to cover WIFI-Cellular goes with the spirit of the HEAP Program.

In July, 2020-I posted an article here discussing my Legislative Bill intent and with the recent devastation of Tropical Storm Isais it's clear that extending HEAP program to cover a larger percentage of consumers electric bills and expanding the program to cover WIFI-Cellular providers is necessary and is a common sense measure, said Maryann Maltese.

I encourage Members of the 12th Assembly District to send an email to Governor Cuomo's office advising them of your support of Maryann Maltese's recommendations of increasing HEAP benefits to cover past consumer usage of Electric Billing, and to consider expanding the HEAP program to include WIFI-Cellular usage,https://www. governor.ny.gov or call 518-474-8390.

To check out my Legislative platforms, friend me on Facebook @ Maryann Maltese, or email the campaign @ maryannmaltesefornysassembly@gmail.com and drop me a line here.