Government

“Election Manipulation Without Representation” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

3 years ago

January 24, 2024

State Senator James Skoufis tried his best to paint my factual concerns about significant changes to local elections as nothing more than a child’s tantrum. The State Senator dedicated more words to name calling and insults than he did trying to justify this poorly disguised, partisan power grab. The fact is he took away a choice that should ONLY be made by those people affected by the law.

Local self-determination is a founding principle of this nation and this State. For 250 years, since 1789, the people of Rockland, and their legislators and executives have decided through democratic processes, what years local elected officials are up for election and the length of their terms.

When Albany – specifically Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State Senator Skoufis and his fellow legislators from New York City and other upstate cities make drastic changes, impacting how county officials are to be chosen rather than letting local voters decide, they are taking that choice away from you.

Elected officials, me included, serve the public plain and simple.

What State Senator Skoufis isn’t disclosing is that this was a self-serving decision to disallow the public to weigh in because he stands to gain the most as there are rumblings he is running in the near future for a seat that would benefit from the change.

The facts are this decision was overwhelmingly decided by New York State Legislators representing New York City, who this does not effect, rather than the upstate counties, towns, and villages who it does. This is election law manipulation without representation is an insult to what democracy stands for.

In the New York State Assembly, excluding representatives for districts outside the City of New York, delegates voted no against this 57 to 34.

In the New York State Senate, excluding representatives for districts outside the City of New York, delegates voted no against this 22 to 10.

The total vote on this by representatives outside New York City was 79 against and only 44 in favor. Why is New York City and Governor Hochul dictating to us when to have our local elections and when our elected official’s terms start and end?

As for my track record in just 10 years:

Dug Rockland out of a $138m deficit and into a surplus.
Implemented a 2% county property tax cut, following two years of no tax increase. A huge leap from the double-digit tax increases every year before I took office.
Repealed the Energy Tax, equivalent to an 8.4% County Property Tax cut, saving families $12 million annually.
Transformed this administration from the most fiscally stressed County statewide to one of the strongest.
Launched two college tuition assistance programs for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders.
Constructed a new Fire Operations Building.
Still waiving bus fare for riders since the pandemic.
Rehabilitated the Demarest Dam.
Equipped school buses with stop-arm cameras at no cost to families or schools.
Preserved 25 acres and counting of open space.
Built a new County Highway Garage.

The list goes on.

With so many accomplishments under my belt, yes, I stayed longer than originally planned when I ran so I can lock in a few more achievements that would ensure the residents I live and breathe for are in good hands well long after I’m out of office.

If the State wants to engage in tyranny, depriving us of self-determination, and taking the power to control these local elections from the people and their local officials, the question should be put up for a public referendum in the municipal jurisdictions it impacts. If it passes, then I would concede, because it would truly be what the people decided.

In his last statement on this matter, State Senator Skoufis said, “let them vote.” If he truly meant that and cared about the will of the people – or their voices – he would sponsor a bill to repeal this law and redraft it to put it up for referendum in the local counties, towns and villages, let the people vote on this change, rather than Albany and New York City.

* This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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.