The City of New York's Committees on Finance and General Welfare convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the implications of the federal budget on local social services, particularly focusing on the Department of Social Services (DSS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Department of Homeless Services (DHS). The meeting highlighted the critical reliance of these agencies on federal funding, which directly impacts the three million New Yorkers they serve.

Key discussions centered around proposed cuts in the federal budget that threaten essential programs. The current congressional reconciliation proposal suggests significant reductions, including a $300 billion cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) over the next decade, affecting 1.8 million New Yorkers, many of whom are vulnerable populations such as older adults and children. Additionally, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's markup proposes $715 billion in Medicaid cuts, impacting four million residents who depend on this healthcare coverage.

The White House's recent budget proposal, termed the "skinny budget," also poses risks, suggesting $28 billion in cuts to housing and community development programs, which are vital for public housing and rental subsidies. The elimination of the Community Development Block Grant and a 12% reduction in funding for housing opportunities for people with AIDS were also discussed, alongside the potential elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides crucial heating and cooling support for low-income households.

In response to these challenges, the DSS and HRA reported on their efforts to streamline access to social services. They noted that the SNAP caseload remains high, with nearly 1.8 million recipients and over 30,000 applications each month. Investments in technology have allowed clients to apply and recertify for benefits online, helping manage the increased demand for services.

The meeting also addressed cash assistance, with the executive budget allocating $2.65 billion to support a caseload of 596,000 recipients through June 2025. Emergency rent payments were issued to over 56,000 households in FY 24, underscoring the ongoing need for financial support among New Yorkers facing housing instability.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the importance of public engagement, urging affected New Yorkers to voice their concerns regarding the proposed federal cuts, which could have catastrophic effects not only on low-income households but also on the overall economy of the city and region. The next steps involve continued outreach to ensure eligible residents are aware of their benefits and the necessity of recertifying for programs like Medicaid, which has seen changes in renewal rules due to federal mandates.