All articles tagged with #assistance programs
Rising utility prices are forcing many Americans to choose between essential needs like air conditioning and food, with low-income households being hit the hardest. An 8% increase in utility costs is expected, and experts are calling for congressional funding of assistance programs to help offset these costs.
New York City is expanding its assistance to asylum seekers by opening two satellite sites to help with applications for asylum, work authorization, and other programs. The city has been dealing with a migrant crisis that has led to significant budget cuts, and Mayor Eric Adams has called for a national strategy to address the issue. Despite receiving funding from the federal government, the city has spent billions on the crisis and is seeking more financial support. The expansion of assistance comes as the city faces cuts to education, policing, and sanitation budgets.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Maui to meet with survivors, first responders, and officials in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires. The Biden-Harris Administration has deployed over 1,000 federal personnel to assist with response efforts, including search and rescue teams. They have approved over $8 million in assistance, provided meals, water, and shelter supplies, and are working with various federal departments and agencies to assess ongoing needs. The administration encourages impacted individuals to register for federal assistance and has opened a Disaster Recovery Center. The Department of Defense, Coast Guard, EPA, DOE, HHS, SBA, USDA, HUD, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are among the agencies providing support. The Heritage Emergency National Task Force is also working to incorporate museums and cultural heritage sites into recovery planning.
President Biden has declared a major disaster in Cook County, Illinois, due to severe storms and flooding that occurred from June 29 to July 2. The declaration makes federal funding available for affected individuals, including grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for property losses, and other assistance programs. Damage assessments are ongoing, and additional counties and forms of assistance may be designated in the future. Residents and business owners can apply for assistance through various channels.
The United States has announced a pause on certain foreign assistance programs benefiting the government of Niger in response to the military takeover in the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that this is an interim measure and does not affect all foreign assistance programs, with life-saving humanitarian and food assistance continuing. The US has emphasized that its assistance is contingent on democratic governance and respect for constitutional order, and that it supports efforts to restore democratic rule in Niger. The Economic Community of West African States has warned of potential military intervention if the coup leaders do not step down by Sunday.