September 22, 2006

STATE REP. HENRY GENGA ANNOUNCES INCREASED
HEATING ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES

State Rep. Henry Genga (D-East Hartford) announces the authorization of additional home heating assistance grants to Connecticut’s low income families for the ’06-’07 heating season by the legislature’s Human Services and Appropriations Committees.

Following a public hearing on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance block grant program, the committees authorized the Department of Social Services to plan for higher-than-usual benefits to help qualified families and the elderly to meet the elevated costs of heating their homes.

The allocation of the $6 million in federal funds in addition to about $44.3 million already anticipated in federal block grant funding brings the total available for the program to $50.3 million.

“During special session last fall, the legislature began an effort to help those needing assistance by expanding the home heating oil assistance program and eliminating the sales tax on energy efficiency items,” said Rep. Genga. “This continues the effort we started last winter to combat the high cost of energy.”

Applications for home heating assistance are now being received at community sites throughout the state. Eligible households will receive as much as $675 in basic assistance, supplemented by crisis and safety net assistance for those heating with deliverable fuels.

“I urge individuals and families to call the info-line at 2-1-1 now to explore how the state can help them,” said Rep. Genga. “It’s important to call, even if individuals are not sure if they need assistance this year.”

State Rep. Henry Genga serves East Hartford’s 10th Assembly District. He is member of the education, energy and technology, and labor and public employees committees.