October Newsletter: Government Shutdown Town Hall, Supporting Federal Workers, Fighting ICE Detention of Young Students, and Sharing Changes to SNAP Benefits

Table of Contents:

In Our Community
From Capitol Hill
Constituent Corner: Resources Available To You

A Message from the Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez

To our Neighbors in NY-14,

We hope that you are doing well and enjoying the beautiful fall season! While the federal government is shut down by President Trump and the Republicans, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and her office continue to work hard for you in D.C. and in the district.

In Our Community

The heart of our work lies in the vibrant communities of NY-14. See below for ways our office is helping constituents navigate federal agencies and bring resources back to the district.

Federal Worker Resource Fair

Last week, the Office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez hosted a resource fair for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown. The event featured representatives from the NYS Department of Labor, NYC Department of Social Services, NYC Health and Hospitals, Federal Credit Unions, and more.

Constituent Story

Recently, our constituent, Joseph, contacted our office seeking help with a refund check from the IRS. Joseph had initially contacted us because he never received his refund check for 2021. The original check appeared to have been lost in the mail. Following our inquiry, the IRS reissued the check, and Joseph has now confirmed receipt!

This is just one of the many wins our incredible casework team achieves regularly for our constituents. If you have an issue pending with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to reach out.

“After 4 prolonged attempts over three long years to resolve this issue on our own, we asked for your help and your offices took on and resolved this in less than three months. We sincerely appreciate the support of the congresswoman and her staff.”

- Joseph

From Capitol Hill

Urging the Trump Administration to Fund November SNAP Benefits

The Trump Administration recently directed all states to hold on issuing November SNAP benefits, despite the availability of sufficient federal funding and the administration’s clear legal obligation to cover benefits. As a result, 160,000 individuals in NY-14 are at risk of not having access to timely food benefits starting November 1st.

This week, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez led members of New York’s congressional delegation in writing to President Trump and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins urging them to ensure that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in New York state, and across the nation, receive their November benefits without delay.

CNN Town Hall on Government Shutdown

This month, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders participated in a 90-minute CNN town hall to discuss what Trump’s government shutdown means for the American people, explain how they are fighting to ensure that healthcare remains affordable and take questions from working people affected by the shutdown.

Did you miss it? No problem, you can watch it here.

Demanding Transparency on ICE Detention of School-Aged Children

In New York City, school communities have been shaken by the arrest and deportation of school children as young as six years old. This month, Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez led a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon expressing profound concern over the pattern of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting students across the country.

Constituent Corner: Resources Available To You

Navigating a Government Shutdown

We understand that the conversation about the government shutdown can leave you with more questions than answers, and we want to discuss what this may look like for you and your families.

You can navigate to our website to read through some frequently asked questions about a shutdown and key information you need to know.

How the Government Shutdown Will Impact You

Do you have questions about the government shutdown? We understand that, and want to answer them.

Submit Survey

Or visit bit.ly/repaocquestions to open the survey in a new window.

Expanded Work Requirements for SNAP Go Into Effect November 1st

Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act expands who is subject to SNAP work requirements. That means that most adults up to age 64 will now have to fill out paperwork showing they are working, volunteering, or participating in a work training program for at least 80 hours a month. Veterans, unhoused people, and former foster youth will now also be subject to these policies.

***You will be contacted by the NYC HRA if you are subject to these requirements.***

New York State Essential Plan Coverage Changes

With the implementation of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the subsequent loss of federal funding for New York State’s Essential Plan (EP), New York is forced to revert back to a Basic Health Program (BHP) authority. These changes affect many individuals and families, depending on income levels. As a result, Essential Plan coverage will end on July 1, 2026.

What this means for you:

You will receive detailed information about your specific coverage at least 3 months before the change takes effect.
If your eligibility changes, you will be notified 90 days in advance.

Questions? Contact NY State of Health at (855) 355-5777, visit their website, or find an Assistor in your area.

Medicare Open Enrollment Period

If you get health insurance through your job, through Medicare or through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, you will have an open enrollment period. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare is October 15th to December 7th.

Constituents should contact us if they experience any delays or issues reaching their local social security office during the shutdown.

Questions? Call our office at (718) 662-5970

In Service,

The Office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez