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News from Rep. Stephanie Herseth
For Immediate Release
Contact: Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

January 5, 2006, Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth today applauded the decision of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release additional funds for those in South Dakota who are struggling to heat their homes this winter season. Following November's record winter storm, Herseth wrote to Michael Leavitt, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, urging him to take emergency steps by releasing contingency funds. Today, HHS announced it would release more than $629,000 specifically for heating in communities in South Dakota.

Herseth said, "Significant and rising energy costs combined with harsh winter weather have created dangerous situations for many South Dakota families. I am pleased that HHS has recognized this need, particularly during this tough South Dakota winter we have been enduring Thousands of South Dakotans were left without basic necessities of food, water, heat and electricity following the recent storm, and I am hopeful that this assistance will help families stay warm for the rest of the winter."

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota's interests: Agriculture, Veterans' Affairs and Resources.