November 9, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor David A. Paterson today continued his campaign urging the Federal government to fully fund the Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at last year’s level of $5.1 billion to help families cope with cold winter temperatures and higher energy costs. In a letter to President Obama, Governor Paterson outlined the need for quick action to fully fund the program and requested the immediate release of LIHEAP contingency funds, in order to avoid a potential early shut down of New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which opened for the season November 1.
“With another cold Northeast winter upon us, HEAP offers a vital lifeline to the many individuals and families who will struggle to pay their heating bills,” Governor Paterson said. “Congress has not yet finalized the Federal funding level and the Senate has proposed a substantial reduction from last year. If these cuts are allowed to stand, we will be forced to close HEAP early due to a lack of funding, effectively shutting out many of the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who rely on HEAP to help keep their homes warm.”
The Senate has proposed $3.3 billion nationally for LIHEAP, which would mean $276.7 million for New York, a reduction of more than $200 million from last year. HEAP is a federally-funded program administered through the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to help eligible households in meeting their home energy needs. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as HEAP benefits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Last winter, New York issued more than 1.9 million HEAP benefits, a record high.
This past September, Governor Paterson, together with Governor Baldacci of Maine, Governor Douglas of Vermont, Governor Lynch of New Hampshire, Governor Patrick of Massachusetts and Governor Rell of Connecticut, sent letters to the Senate and House appropriators, urging them to fully fund the LIHEAP program and provide sufficient contingency funds to address unforeseen energy emergencies. With residential energy prices projected to increase this coming winter, the governors stressed that a decrease in LIHEAP funding would be devastating to those who rely on this vital assistance.
Residents can check to see if they may be eligible for HEAP, and numerous other benefits, by visiting: myBenefits.ny.gov.
The Governor’s letter to President Obama can be found at: http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/pdf/LIHEAPLetter11082010.pdf.
