States' fuel aid to increase
Friday, October 17, 2008
By ANDREW MIGA
Associated Press/ Springfield Republican

WASHINGTON - The Bush administration on Thursday released $5.1 billion in fuel assistance to states, nearly doubling federal money to help poor people cope with high home heating bills expected this winter.

Despite oil price drops in recent months, lawmakers from cold weather states said high energy prices and the slumping economy are leaving many families struggling to pay to keep warm.

"The double whammy of rising costs and economic uncertainty is hitting local consumers hard," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. "With this increase in funding, hopefully no one in Massachusetts should have to make a heat-or-eat decision this winter."

U.S. Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry said Massachusetts low-income households will receive $213 million in fuel aid as the state's share of the $5.1 billion appropriation.

Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Kennedy, said, "The senator is very pleased that these funds are being made available now for thousands of our citizens who will be struggling to pay their heating bills as winter fast approaches."

Kerry said, "This is welcome news for thousands of families in our state who have been struggling to make ends meet because of skyrocketing home energy prices. With winter quickly approaching, families can rest assured that much-needed help is on its way."

About 2 million more families are expected to get fuel aid this winter, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, which represents state-run low-income energy assistance programs. About 5.8 million families got help last winter.

The extra money could enable states to increase benefit levels as well as help more people.

The Northeast, with its cold winters and reliance on oil heat, is particularly vulnerable to high energy costs.

"At a time when the economy is getting worse and fuel prices are higher than last winter, this good news is welcome," said U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. "It means that many more Vermonters will be able to participate in the program."

Vermont was alloted $38.7 million in federal funds, $3.7 million more than expected. The state received $17 million in federal funds last year.

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., said there has been a sharp increase in the number of families applying for aid in his state.

"More and more families in Connecticut and across the country are struggling to keep up with rising home heating costs," Dodd said. "These additional funds will go a long way toward helping the tens of thousands of senior citizens and low income families in our state fighting to stay warm this winter."