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Governor M. Jodi Rell today applauded the release of nearly $7 million in additional federal funding for Connecticut’s winter heating assistance programs, saying the extra money she had urged the White House to provide is critical to the strength of the state programs – but more will be needed. “This is great news for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program,” Governor Rell said. “I sent personal appeals to the White House for the release of this funding and enlisted Connecticut’s Congressional delegation to help press for the money. Governors from across New England and all over the nation joined me in asking President Bush to provide the funds because we know the coming winter is going to put a strain on family budgets that may well exceed any experience in recent memory. “This money will help keep the heat on in homes across the state – and I will continue to turn up the heat on Washington to provide still more of this crucial funding,” the Governor said. “In July I proposed a 28 percent increase in state spending on CEAP – just part of our broader plans to provide much-needed aid to Connecticut consumers feeling the triple whammy of outrageous gasoline, food and energy prices. “I want to thank our members of Congress for helping me to obtain this boost in federal funding,” the Governor added. “It is more than welcome. I know, however, that our delegation feels as I do: Today’s announcement is only part of what we need to truly make this vital lifeline whole.” Governor Rell proposed distributing a record $84 million in winter heating aid through CEAP, which serves low-income, elderly and other vulnerable households. CEAP and a companion program, the Connecticut Heating Assistance Program, are funded primarily through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant from the federal government. LIHEAP funds are divided into a basic grant to all states and “contingency funding” that can be released, when needed, by the President. Governor Rell had repeatedly urged the White House to release about $120 million in contingency funding that – if not distributed by the end of this month – would have expired. Today’s announcement that the remaining contingency funding is being disbursed provides an additional $6,962,123 to Connecticut, adding to about $58.7 in basic and contingency money the state has already received. The Governor has also urged Congress and the President to agree on still more funding for LIHEAP. She wrote members of the state’s Congressional delegation last week asking them to support proposals in both the House and Senate to increase LIHEAP funding by at least $2.5 billion. “This action needs to be taken in the next few weeks – before Congress takes a break ahead of the November elections,” Governor Rell said. “Our residents are counting on the federal government to take swift and decisive action now to ensure no one must choose between heating and eating this coming winter.” Last month Governor Rell called the General Assembly into special session to pass legislation that provides a wide range of winter heating assistance programs for hard-pressed Connecticut consumers. The Governor’s plan devoted the small surplus from the state budget year that ended June 30 to programs such as Operation Fuel – which serves people in Connecticut who need winter heating aid but who do not qualify for CEAP – as well as rebates and other assistance for homeowners who make energy efficiency improvements. The plan also provides aid to municipalities and non-profit human services agencies dealing with high energy costs. Separately, the Governor’s office has given Operation Fuel $25,000 to help meet the coming need. Through the Governor’s Care & Share program, Governor Rell has also challenged residents, businesses and state employees to match $50,000 in contingency funding she awarded to two Connecticut food banks. © Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: “Protocol” Remote-Controlled Toy Helicopters recalled due to fire/burn hazard - Sep 16, 2008 - 4:08 PM Shays supports comprehensive energy policy - Sep 15, 2008 - 5:16 PM Commentary: When the oil bubble is fueled by speculators - Sep 15, 2008 - 10:53 AM Governor Rell enlists Congressional delegation in seeking added federal heating aid - Sep 12, 2008 - 10:30 AM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
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