SENATE CALLS ON CONGRESS TO DOUBLE HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                      Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Contact: Senate President Sylvia Larsen

(603) 271-2111

SENATE CALLS ON CONGRESS TO DOUBLE HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE

CONCORD – The New Hampshire Senate today sent an urgent appeal to its congressional delegation calling on them to support at least double the funds for home heating aid through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The bipartisan letter was signed by both the Senate President and Senate Republican Leader Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester).

“Last year, New Hampshire distributed $25 million in LIHEAP aid to 33,000 homes. With the drastic increase in the cost of home heating fuel, we expect at least $50 million will be required to provide the same assistance this winter,” the letter reads.

“We call on you to recognize the financial pressures that many of our families and our elderly citizens face during the current national economic downturn. We know you share our concern that New Hampshire residents should not be forced to choose between food, heat or medicine this winter,” it continues.

“Your vote and your strong advocacy for increased funding for LIHEAP can make a critical difference in the lives of many people in New Hampshire this winter and we, the New Hampshire Senate, ask you to make this a top priority,” the letter concludes.

Increased funding for LIHEAP is currently being debated in Congress and New Hampshire’s senators want to ensure funds are available to avert what could be a crisis this winter.

“Several of our senators have met with their local welfare directors and social service agencies and are getting dire warnings about the growing needs in our communities. We want to be prepared to help people who need the extra help to stay warm this winter,” Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D-Concord) said.