Washington, DC – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand, announced that an additional $40 million dollars in emergency funding will be released as part of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

New York State will receive $14 million in funding for the program that is administered under the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.   This winter, the rising cost of home heating oil means that families are paying 10-22% more than last winter in home energy costs according to the Energy Information Administration, a government agency. 

New York State received nearly $250 million in funds for FY2008 with an additional $82 million in emergency funding released in January.  The funds are used to help offset high home hearing costs for low-income families and important weatherization improvements that can help reduce the costs of home heating bills by an estimated 31% and overall energy bills by $200 to $250 annually.  

“We are facing a home heating crisis this winter,” said the Congresswoman, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  “These funds are critical to keeping our families warm during the frigid, winter months.  New York families are seeing the bills pile up.  No one should have to choose between heat and food this winter.”  

Congresswoman Gillibrand recently announced important information regarding the economic stimulus tax rebate that will help working families, seniors and veterans make ends meet.     

For households that receive social security or veteran benefits, but who do not normally file a tax return, the IRS has produced a special form that highlights the specific sections that need to be filled out in order to qualify for a tax rebate.  Individuals can access the form at:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/newsroom/1040a.pdf

Most seniors will receive up to $1,200 for a couple.  If constituents need help obtaining the correct IRS form or have additional questions, Representative Gillibrand encourages seniors and veterans to contact her office at 518-581-8247, or visit her website at www.gillibrand.house.gov.