Gov. Henry Announces Heating Assistance Effort

Gov. Henry announces heating assistance effort

Citing rising natural gas prices and the onset of winter temperatures, Governor Brad Henry, Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Morgan and House Speaker Todd Hiett have agreed to increase funding for a heating assistance program that aids low income Oklahomans.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a federally-funded initiative administered by the Department of Human Services. LIHEAP is slated to allocate approximately $10 million in federal funds to Oklahoma families this winter, but because of rising natural gas prices, heating bills could increase by as much as 50 percent.

To help cushion the blow of that price hike, the governor and legislative leaders have agreed to add at least $5 million in state funds to LIHEAP, a 50 percent increase in program funds designed to match the expected spike in heating costs. If costs rise higher than projections, additional state funding will be provided to LIHEAP.

In order to deliver those funds to LIHEAP immediately, state leaders have asked DHS to transfer existing agency funds to the program with the understanding that it will receive additional funds in its budget to compensate it for the funding shifted from other DHS programs.

"I appreciate the cooperation of Senator Morgan and Speaker Hiett in drafting this bipartisan agreement," said Gov. Henry. "With heating bills on the increase, this is going to be a very tough winter for many Oklahoma families, and we want to do everything we can to assist them. This additional funding won't meet all of the needs, but it is a step in the right direction."

"Higher energy prices are squeezing family budgets, forcing many Oklahomans who work hard and play by the rules to choose between buying groceries and heating their homes. At the same time, those higher prices for oil and natural gas mean an increase in state revenue. The responsible thing for us to do as state leaders is to offer these deserving families a hand up," Sen. Morgan (D-Stillwater) said.

"The bipartisan agreement helps the neediest in Oklahoma without expanding government, and it ensures a businesslike approach on the issue," said Speaker Hiett (R-Kellyville). "We're helping those who need assistance with winter heating costs, while also making sure taxpayers' hard-earned money won't be wasted."

In the weeks to come, the governor and legislative leaders said they will push for additional federal funding for LIHEAP. They also pledged to continue to monitor the situation to determine if any additional state funds should be added to the program.

This isn't the first time state leaders have agreed to supplement the LIHEAP program with state funding. Facing a similar scenario in 2001, the governor and legislators provided state support to the federal heating assistance program.

http://www.governor.state.ok.us/display_article.php?article_id=636&article_type=1