Rockefeller Calls for Heating Assistance Funding in Katrina Supplemental

ROCKEFELLER CALLS FOR HEATING ASSISTANCE FUNDING IN KATRINA SUPPLEMENTAL

-Group of Bi-Partisan Senators Call for $1.3 Billion in Emergency LIHEAP Funding to Be Included-

With energy prices rising to record levels following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and a bi-partisan group of senators are calling for a dramatic increase in home heating assistance funding to be included in a Katrina disaster relief package. 64,000 West Virginians used the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) last year, and thousands more may seek help to afford heating oil and propane after crucial energy infrastructure was destroyed or severely disabled as a result of the hurricane.

"Hurricane Katrina has directly affected tens of thousands of lives in the Gulf Coast states, but the disaster has also indirectly affected millions of Americans around the country," said Rockefeller. "People around the country have seen gas prices climb, and this winter may bring on much higher energy costs. Without this emergency assistance, many seniors and lower-income families in West Virginia may be faced with devastating choices about whether to have heat or food. We must act now to avoid what could be a tragic situation."

A recent study by the Energy Information Administration predicts that under the pressure of record-high crude oil prices, the costs of heating oil and propane are expected to spike this winter, with oil costs rising as much as 33 percent and propane as much as 43 percent. Heating oil costs for an average family are projected to rise to $1,666 this winter, which represents an increase of $403 over last winter's prices and $714 over the winter of 2003-04.

The senators' proposal calls for $1.276 billion in emergency LIHEAP funds in the comprehensive Hurricane Katrina supplemental, an amount that would enable LIHEAP to maintain the same purchasing power that it had last year.

The federally-funded LIHEAP was set up to assist needy families, especially families that have small children, seniors, or people with disabilities. If a household meets certain income guidelines, then LIHEAP may be able to pay home heating bills. In West Virginia, LIHEAP is administered through the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. West Virginia residents can call the department toll free at (800) 642-8589 to find out if they are eligible and how to apply.

http://rockefeller.senate.gov/news/2005/pr091905.html