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Moore votes for emergency home heating assistance for low-income residents
November 14, 2007...In an effort to avert a home heating crisis, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and his colleagues in the Senate voted unanimously to approve $15 million in state funding to help 100,000 elderly residents and low-income families keep warm during the winter months. The emergency appropriation will supplement the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and help eligible households remain financially stable during the cold winter months. "People shouldn't have to choose between food for their children and heat to keep them warm," said Senate President Therese Murray, D-Plymouth. "There are too many families due to have their heat turned off, and rising energy costs aren't helping the situation. With this money, we are reaching out to families in need and helping them get through what is expected to be a very tough winter." "As the price of fuel and cost of living continue to escalate, it is important that the Commonwealth ensures our most vulnerable residents, the elderly and low-income, are protected," said Moore. "There is absolutely no reason why Massachusetts residents should have to choose between basic necessities such as meals or a comfortable home. I am happy to join with my colleagues in bringing this much needed assistance to so many households throughout the Commonwealth." The Senate is joined by the House and the Governor's Office in making the emergency state funding available for LIHEAP, which operates every year from November 1 through April 30. The money will be funneled to the Department of Housing and Community Development for distribution to non-profit, community action agencies across the state who accept applications for assistance. The agencies then make payments directly to utilities or landlords on behalf of the eligible households. Homeowners and tenants with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty level are eligible for the fuel assistance funding. The emergency appropriation will now go to the Governor's desk for his signature. For more information on fuel assistance and other state resources, visit Senator Moore's website at www.senatormoore.com. |
