Frank Advocates For Home Heating Assistance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 -As home heating oil prices threaten to rise by a third and top $2.50 per gallon in New England this winter, Reps. Barney Frank, James McGovern and William Delahunt joined a bipartisan group of House members from across the country Wednesday in advocating an increase in federal fuel assistance funds for low-income people.
“The congressman is extremely supportive of the [federal program] and has opposed efforts over the last few years to cut the funds,” Frank spokesman Steven Adamske said.
The Massachusetts representatives were among 78 House members (including all of the Commonwealth’s 10 legislators) who signed a letter requesting more money for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income, elderly and disabled people with their home energy costs.
A similar letter was sent to the Senate Budget Committee in March, but the committee did not act on it.
The signers asked that the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill include $4 billion for the program, a 45 percent increase over this year’s appropriation. The current bill calls for $2.183 billion for the program.
“As the nation faces an unprecedented and unexpected surge in home energy prices due in part to the devastating tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, it is critical that the level of funding provided for this program be revisited in light of the new circumstances,” the letter read in part.
The New Bedford area has more than 11,000 residents who are eligible for fuel assistance, according to Fran Stubbs, fuel program director for People Acting in Community Endeavor, a local community assistance agency.
“We’re getting phone calls from new people constantly,” Stubbs said.
The Energy Information Administration projects oil costs to rise 32 percent in the Northeast this winter, hitting a level that would be difficult for many to afford, even with assistance, Stubbs said.
She estimated that the maximum benefit available under the federal program would pay for only one average tank of oil. Because much of the low-income housing in New Bedford is not energy efficient, residents may need as much as one tank each month to heat their houses sufficiently.
“By December 1 they may have exhausted their benefit,” Stubbs said. “Some people are currently without service because last year’s fuel prices were so high . and they’ll be facing shut-off again this year.”
The House members who signed the letter acknowledged the importance of providing adequate funds to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, but emphasized the necessity of assisting those in need across the country.
