Editor, OBSERVER:

Chautauqua County’s most vulnerable residents could soon feel the impact of a quiet but devastating budget decision. Across New York, including here in Chautauqua County, Weatherization Assistance Program providers are speaking out against proposed cuts.

Weatherization helps low-income households reduce energy costs by improving home efficiency through insulation, air sealing, and other improvements. The governor’s budget omits 10% of the HEAP funding usually dedicated to the Weatherization Assistance Program — a reduction with far-reaching consequences for communities statewide.

That 10% represents as much as 60% of operating budgets for many local agencies delivering these services. In Chautauqua County, this could mean fewer homes being weatherized, reduced energy savings for vulnerable families, and potential layoffs for the skilled workforce that keeps these programs running.

For example, our local program, Chautauqua Opportunities Inc., serves on average 70 families annually and invests an average of $800,000 per year with the focus on single family, multi-family and manufactured housing.

Weatherization Assistance Program is one of the state’s most effective tools for lowering energy costs while improving health and safety. Cutting this funding undermines both affordability and long-term energy solutions.

State leaders must restore this funding in the final budget. Chautauqua County families — and communities across New York cannot afford to lose a program that delivers real savings and real impact.

DIANE HEWITT-JOHNSON,

Chief executive officer,

Chautauqua Opportunities Inc.