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For Immediate Release
September 12, 2006 |
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Johnson, Shays, Simmons
Announce Early Release of Federal Energy Assistance Funds
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Nancy Johnson,
Christopher Shays and Rob Simmons today announced that $6.1
million in federal energy assistance is on its way to help
heat Connecticut homes this winter.
These critical federal funds, released today from the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency
fund, will help reduce heating oil costs for Connecticut residents
throughout the upcoming winter.
“No family should be forced to choose between heating
their home and putting food on the table,” said Johnson.
“These funds will help alleviate the tremendous strain
that skyrocketing energy costs place on families living on
fixed incomes.”
“This early funding will help maximize the state's
purchasing power this winter,” Shays said. “By
releasing funding now, Connecticut can pre-purchase oil before
colder temperatures come, when home heating oil becomes much
more expensive. It will allow Connecticut consumers to get
more for our money and I am grateful for this common-sense
support for dealing with rising energy costs.”
“As so many working families in Connecticut know, New
England's winters can be cold and cruel. This year will be
no different,” Simmons said. “The good news is
these LIHEAP dollars will benefit Connecticut's neediest families
and seniors. Today’s action by the White House will
help working families struggling with record-high fuel prices
keep warm this winter.”
Representatives Johnson, Shays, and Simmons called on the
President to release these funds early in order to increase
the state’s purchasing power this winter. Click here
to read Shays’ letter to the President.
Volatile crude oil prices, pipeline safety issues, and unpredictable
weather all affect the price of home heating oil. By obtaining
this $6.1 million so early in the season, Connecticut will
be able to purchase heating oil at lower prices, well before
frigid winter weather substantially drives up costs.
The LIHEAP program helps low-income seniors, families with
children, and individuals with disabilities afford their energy
bills. This assistance has become increasingly important for
cold weather states, which have seen a dramatic spike in home
heating oil prices in recent years. In 2005 alone, millions
of seniors and families experienced an average 23% increase
in their heating bills.
Connecticut received $43.2 million in LIHEAP assistance in
Fiscal Year 2006.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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