Government

Albany Democrats Eye Court-Driven Redistricting in New York, Senator Bill Weber Warns

Published

9 months ago

January 28, 2026

ROCKLAND COUNTY. NY — New York State Senator Bill Weber is sounding the alarm over what he describes as a growing effort by Albany Democrats to use the courts and mid-cycle redistricting to reverse Republican congressional victories in New York.

According to Weber, the effort is already underway in New York’s 11th Congressional District, represented by Nicole Malliotakis, and could soon expand to target additional Republican-held seats—including New York’s 17th Congressional District, represented by Mike Lawler.

Weber said Democrats believe that redrawing congressional district lines through litigation could flip seats they failed to win at the ballot box, a move he warned would undermine voter confidence and weaken democratic norms.

Allegations of Mid-Cycle Redistricting Strategy

“This is part of a broader strategy to reduce Republican representation in New York through the courts rather than through elections,” Weber said. “Mid-cycle redistricting designed to manipulate district lines diminishes competition and erodes trust in our electoral system.”

The senator emphasized that voters were explicitly promised a fair and independent redistricting process following years of partisan gerrymandering. That promise led to the creation of New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission, which was designed to keep politics out of the map-drawing process.

However, Weber warned that some Albany Democrats are now openly discussing scrapping the independent commission altogether and allowing the legislature—along with partisan judges—to redraw congressional maps when election outcomes do not favor them.

“A Dangerous Precedent,” Weber Says

“We created the Independent Redistricting Commission to prevent exactly this kind of partisan interference,” Weber said. “Maps are meant to be drawn once per decade, following the census—not whenever one party disagrees with election results.”

Allowing courts or lawmakers to repeatedly redraw maps mid-cycle, Weber added, would set a dangerous precedent in which elected officials choose their voters, rather than voters choosing their representatives.

Call for Bipartisan Opposition

Weber urged elected officials of all political affiliations to oppose any attempt to dismantle the independent redistricting process or bypass the once-per-decade standard enshrined in law.

“Some will point to other states and say, ‘They’re doing it, so we should too,’” Weber said. “That is not who we are. New York should be better than that. We must uphold our standards and our process, not sacrifice them for short-term partisan gain. Fair maps and a consistent process protect every New Yorker’s voice.”

As legal and political debates over redistricting continue to unfold, Weber said the focus should remain on protecting voters, preserving competition, and maintaining trust in New York’s elections.

Government

Rockland County HEAP 2026-2027: Applications Open November 2

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With winter approaching and heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, Rockland County residents will be able to apply for financial assistance through the 2026–2027 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

The Rockland County Department of Social Services announced that applications for Regular HEAP benefits will open Monday, November 2, 2026. The federally funded program helps eligible low-income households pay their home heating bills.

Residents do not need to have a heating emergency or receive a utility shutoff notice to apply. County officials are encouraging eligible households to submit applications early.

“With high heating costs putting pressure on household budgets, HEAP can help eligible low-income households, including older adults, people with disabilities, and families with young children, keep their heat on and stay warm this winter,” said Pat Frawley, Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services.

How Much Heating Assistance Is Available?

For the 2026–2027 heating season, base Regular HEAP benefits for eligible households that pay directly for heating include:

$400 for households using natural gas or electricity.
$990 for households using oil or propane.

Additional benefits may be available depending on household income and whether the household includes a child under age six, an adult 60 or older, or someone with a disability.

Both homeowners and renters may qualify, including some residents whose heating costs are included in their rent. Benefits are generally paid directly to the household’s heating supplier.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on:

Household income and family size.
The type of heating fuel used.
Whether the household includes a young child, older adult or person with a disability.

Households with active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance (TA) cases may not need to file a separate Regular HEAP application.

How to Apply

Starting November 2, residents can apply through the following options:

Online: myBenefits.ny.gov
In person or by mail: Rockland County Department of Social Services, 50 Sanatorium Road, Building L, Pomona, NY 10970.
By phone: Call 845-364-3486 to see if you qualify for a telephone application.
By email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
By fax: 845-364-3130.

Residents applying by mail, email, fax or in person must submit a completed and signed application along with the required supporting documents.

Emergency Heating Assistance Begins in January

Additional assistance will become available January 4, 2027, when Emergency HEAP opens for eligible households facing a heating crisis, such as a utility shutoff or a shortage of heating fuel.

Emergency applications cannot be submitted online through myBenefits. Residents must contact the HEAP Unit for assistance.

Homeowners may also qualify for help repairing or replacing heating equipment through the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement program, as well as assistance through the Clean and Tune program. Both programs opened October 1, 2026.

Where to Get More Information

For questions about eligibility, applications or available heating assistance, contact the Rockland County HEAP Unit:

Phone: 845-364-3486
Email: RocklandHEAP@dfa.state.ny.us
Fax: 845-364-3130

HEAP benefits are subject to available funding. Residents are encouraged to apply early.

Government

Rockland County Warming Center Opens November 1 for Winter

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As colder weather approaches, Rockland County is preparing to provide shelter and essential services to residents experiencing homelessness with the reopening of its Warming Center on November 1.

County Executive Ed Day and Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley announced that the Rockland County Warming Center, located at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager Health Center in Pomona, will begin its winter season at 5 p.m. Sunday, November 1.

Operated by the Rockland County Department of Social Services (DSS), the facility can accommodate up to 75 homeless single adults each night, providing a warm and safe place to stay during the cold winter months.

The center will generally operate overnight, allowing guests to stay through the following morning. During periods when temperatures, including wind chill, fall below 32 degrees, the facility will also remain open during daytime hours.

Beyond providing a warm and safe place to rest, the Warming Center will offer guests access to essential services, including hot meals, showers and laundry facilities. On-site staff will also help individuals apply for public assistance benefits, explore job placement opportunities, obtain housing referrals and connect with other supportive services.

Transportation Available From Four Rockland Communities

Transportation to the Warming Center will be available from designated pickup locations in Nyack, Haverstraw, Spring Valley and Pomona.

The transportation schedule is as follows:

Nyack: 7 p.m. at Broadway and Burd Street, in front of First Reformed Church of Nyack.
Haverstraw: 7:30 p.m. from the commuter parking lot across from Village Hall.
Spring Valley: 5:30 p.m., 6:10 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the Spring Valley Bus and Train Station.
Pomona: 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Building L bus shelter on the Health Center campus.

County officials encourage residents who may need assistance, as well as those seeking information for someone experiencing homelessness, to contact the Department of Social Services.

For additional information about the Warming Center and available services, call the Rockland County Department of Social Services at (845) 364-2332 or (845) 608-6670.

Rockland County also operates an Emergency Family Shelter specifically for children and families. You can contact the Rockland County DSS or call their Rockland County Warming Center information line at (845) 364-2332.