By Pat Bradley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-992113.mp3
Plattsburgh, NY – The formula by which the Low Income Home Heating Assistance Program - or LIHEAP - funding is distributed to states would be changed under a draft appropriations bill. If approved, it would result in a 152-point-3 million dollar cut in funding for New York State. Congressman Chris Gibson and 23 other NY representatives have written to the House Appropriations Committee expressing their concerns. Stephanie Valle is Congressman Gibson's Spokesperson.
Town of Minerva Supervisor is also the President of the Community Power Network of NYS. Sue Montgomery-Corey is a member of the National Fuel Funds Network and is on New York State's LIHEAP block grant advisory council. She says both LIHEAP's allocation formula and the level of funding are of great concern this year.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Spokesman Marc Kaplan.
As Sue Montgomery-Corey mentioned, there has been some LIHEAP funding released to the states. New York State received 235-point-3 million dollars. In Vermont, the Congressional delegation announced that 11-million dollars in heating assistance would be made available to those who are eligible. Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity Community Relations Director Tim Searles says it's nowhere near enough to meet needs.
Central Vermont Council on Aging Executive Director Beth Stern is relieved to get some funds, but agrees that it's not nearly enough.
The Department of Energy's Energy Information Agency is projecting increases of 3 percent in natural gas prices, seven percent for propane and eight percent for heating oil this winter. The National Energy Assistance Directors' Association predicts that a half-million more households will seek LIHEAP assistance this year.