For Immediate Release

Legislature Approves Emergency Home Heating Assistance for Low-Income Residents

Boston—Representative John P. Fresolo (D-Worcester) today announced that the legislature has acted to avert a home heating crisis by unanimously approving $15 million in emergency funding to help more than 100,000 elderly residents and low income families stay warm this winter.

"In New England, heating a home during the winter months can present dire choices for many low-income residents and families. I am pleased that we, in the Legislature, have taken swift action to aid those in need of financial assistance before the extreme cold of winter set in,” said Representative Fresolo.

Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth) and House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston) said the appropriation, filed by Governor Deval Patrick with the support of legislative leaders two weeks ago, will supplement the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and help eligible households remain financially stable during the cold winter months.

“With many families due to have their heat turned off, this assistance comes at just the right time,” Senate President Murray said. “Rising energy costs are making it harder for families to get through the winter, often forcing them to choose between heat and food for their children. That should never be a choice people have to make. With this money, we are reaching out to families in need and helping them keep warm and safe in the cold months ahead.”

“Unforgiving temperatures are just around the corner and this assistance will help families facing the very real choice of whether to adequately heat their homes or put food on the table,” said Speaker DiMasi. “I am thrilled that, working with Governor Patrick, we were able to act so quickly to help keep Massachusetts families safe this winter.”

“I am delighted this important initiative has passed both the House and Senate, and I look forward to signing the bill in short order,” Governor Patrick said. “We recognize the need to help those on fixed or limited incomes keep themselves and their families safe this winter, and we will continue to work with our Congressional delegation to advocate for more federal money for this program.”

Today’s appropriation will go a long way towardbridging the gap in federal funding for LIHEAP, which operates every year from November 1 through April 30.

The money will be funneled to the Department of Housing and Community Development for distribution to non-profit, community action agencies across the state that apply for assistance. Those agencies make payments directly to utilities or landlords on behalf of the eligible households.

Homeowners and tenants with incomes up to 200 percent of the poverty level are eligible for the fuel assistance funding.