Gov. Blunt Statement on Lt. Gov. Kinder's Call for Special Session

Press Release

Gov. Blunt Statement on Lt. Gov. Kinder's Call for Special Session

Gov. Matt Blunt today issued the following statement on Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder's call for a special session to allow lawmakers to act early in providing $103 million in supplemental funds for LIHEAP, Low Income Heating Assistance Program:

"Lt. Gov. Kinder is a great advocate for Missouri seniors and low-income families faced with rising energy and heating costs, so I am not surprised he wants the General Assembly to take action to ensure funds are available before the harshest months of winter.

"Just this week we saw the first frost, a sure sign that winter is just around the corner and a looming reminder to some that higher heating bills will soon be added to their burden. This is one of the reasons Lt. Gov. Kinder's call for a Special Session has gained support from a number of community groups who want to help seniors and other vulnerable citizens stay warm this winter.

"In response to his call, following next week's election I will visit with House and Senate leaders to discuss the Special Session Lt. Gov. Kinder has proposed. We will carefully consider the request, the availability of funds, and the anticipated demand.

"I have said before, and I know Lt. Gov. Kinder agrees, no one should have to choose between heating their home or paying for food or other necessities."

For the last three years, Gov. Blunt has recommended and the legislature has appropriated state funds to supplement the federal LIHEAP funds. Under previous administrations Utilicare, the state supplement to LIHEAP, was not fully funded and state funding had been cut. However, Gov. Blunt has ensured the important program received full funding for the last three years and that Missourians had access to assistance even when Washington failed to pass legislation funding LIHEAP.

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