$6 Million Given to Connecticut for Energy Costs
ASSISTANCE
The New Britain Herald
Tia Albright
Boston University Washington News Service
September 13, 2006
WASHINGTON – Connecticut received an early release of $6 million in federal funds to alleviate the rising cost of heating oil and to keep the state’s low-income residents warm through the upcoming winter.
The release of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program contingency funds was announced Tuesday by Reps. Nancy Johnson, Christopher Shays and Rob Simmons. The money was released early to provide the state ample time to purchase heating oil at a lower price before the prices rise as the winter season comes closer, according to a press release issued by the Connecticut Republican representatives.
In 2005, the energy assistance program benefited more than 76,000 families in Connecticut, and that number is expected to rise in the 2006 winter season, according to Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s office.
The Human Resources Agency of New Britain alone is expecting more than 4,000 low-income families, people with disabilities and seniors to apply for assistance from state agencies, according to Barbara Parsons, the agency’s director of community services.
In 2004, 3,500 families applied for heating assistance in the New Britain area, and that number increased to almost 3,900 in 2005, she said.
“We’ve been noticing with the cost of oil and heat rising, that people across the city, not only low-income people, are having problems with their bills,” Parsons said.
Heating bills in 2005 increased as much as 50 percent in some New England households.
“When the winter gets here the prices go up, and it really taps into people’s budgets, especially elderly and low-income residents,” Parsons said. “We saw the prices double last year and expect that again.”
In preparation for the coming winter, Gov. Rell approved an early application initiative to allow applicants more time to file paperwork. Applications are already being accepted, whereas last year they were not accepted until October.
“No family should be forced to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table,” Rep. Johnson said. “These funds will help alleviate the tremendous strain that skyrocketing energy costs place on families living on fixed incomes.”
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