New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The meeting included introductory remarks by the Chair. Key discussions centered on the federal government shutdown and its critical impact on the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), with assurances that efforts are underway to urge federal action and support for HEAP funding continuation. Updates were provided on the successful conclusion of the '24-'25 HEAP program, detailing benefit expenditures across regular, emergency, HERR, clean and tune, and cooling components. Progress on social services law 131-SS regarding utility data sharing was noted, as were the completion of 2025 district monitoring and ongoing federal report preparation. A major topic was the state plan for the '25-'26 HEAP program, which, due to the end of emergency COVID-19 funding and minimal base funding increases, prioritizes regular heating/cooling benefits and excludes weatherization, HERR, clean and tune, and the second emergency benefit components for the year. Guidance was issued delaying the opening of the regular benefit component application pending federal funding resolution, directing emergency applicants to public assistance in the interim. Discussions also covered potential administration strategies should state funding become available and a petition filed to halt utility disenrollment for former HEAP customers on Energy Affordability Programs.

The meeting focused on several key areas, including a review of project milestones, with updates on executed Final Award Agreements and Final Loan Agreements for projects such as the Utica Center for Development, Inc., Breaking Ground II Housing Development Fund Corporation/Kingsboro SHOP 1 LP/Sparrow Square, and Community Access, Inc./1185 River Avenue Owners LLC. Updates were also provided on completed projects, including Shelters of Saratoga, Inc., HELP Development Corporation/HELP ROC I, LLC, and several others reaching Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy milestones. The Board addressed project-related events, noting groundbreaking ceremonies for New Destiny Housing Corporation/1185 Webster Owner LLC and Thankful Community Development Corporation, and ribbon cutting ceremonies for Buffalo Neighborhood Stabilization Company/West Side Homes, LLC and Project Renewal, Inc./2880 Jerome Avenue L.P. Discussions also covered the Comptroller's Report regarding the required submission of the 2026-2027 Budget and Financial Plan, and the Treasurer's Report, noting cash equivalents available. Furthermore, the Board approved a resolution regarding SEQRA Classifications and Findings for several projects. A resolution authorizing two stabilization awards totaling $4,000,000 was approved, alongside reports from the HCR, OMH, OASAS, and OTDA detailing agency activities, financing approvals, and upcoming procurement releases.

The meeting commenced with brief remarks from the co-chairs, Deputy Secretary Peter Hatch and Commissioner Barbara Gwyn, thanking members for their service during a challenging year. A primary focus was the discussion and subsequent vote to issue the final draft of the 2025 Progress Report. Updates were provided from Urban Institute regarding enacted policies, showing a cumulative estimated reduction in child poverty of up to 17.9% across modelable policies from the 2022-2026 budgets. Specific positive effects were noted for children aged 0-4 (estimated 23% reduction) and larger reductions for Black, Hispanic, and AAPI children. The analysis also projected increased household resources for over 1.7 million families, with an average increase exceeding $1,100 per household. The council also discussed next steps looking forward to 2026.

This 2025 Progress Report, prepared by the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC), tracks progress toward reducing child poverty in New York State by 50% by December 2031, as mandated by the Child Poverty Reduction Act of 2021. The report details CPRAC's activities in 2025, including monitoring federal actions impacting social safety nets and state-level initiatives aligned with previous recommendations. Key areas of focus include Child Tax Credit reforms, child care investments, public benefits enhancements, and housing assistance. The report emphasizes strategies to expand existing programs, reduce administrative burdens, and increase access to benefits for low-income households, while reaffirming the council's commitment to data-driven proposals for achieving the overarching poverty reduction goal.

The meeting of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) included a recap of CPAC's work since 2023 and a review of the 2025 draft progress report. Discussions covered the impact of federal government actions on low-income New Yorkers, including cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, and the state's response, including the launch of the baby benefit. The council also discussed strategies for increasing awareness and uptake of the child tax credit, drawing on research and state government perspectives.