Vermont Emergency Heating Money Runs Out

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Governor Peter Shumlin says Vermont's emergency fuel assistance has run out of funds, and that he's looking for another $900,000 to get people in need through the next three weeks.

Vermont budgeted $2.8 million this year for emergency fuel assistance, which provides crisis funding for low-income Vermonters who otherwise might go cold in the winter. It comes in addition to $8.8 million in regular state funding for low-income home heating assistance and $19.5 million in federal funding.

Shumlin says the crisis money is running out as of the end of February, which is Thursday. He says he wants to look at a way to make the program more efficient, including examining eligibility requirements and stepping up weatherization of low-income Vermonters' homes.

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