Delaware and Missouri Get State Funding for Low Income

Governors in Delaware and Missouri announced additional funding for low-income energy assistance and energy efficiency programs in their states.

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and leaders of the General Assembly’s Joint Finance Committee announced an agreement, January 11, that will direct a total of $3.2 million to state programs that offer energy and home improvement assistance through programs currently operated by the Department of Health and Social Services. Of this amount, $2.5 million will be directed to the Delaware Energy Assistance Program which provides heating bill assistance. An additional $500,000 will be directed to the weatherization program that funds energy-saving home improvements such as insulation and window replacement and $200,000 will be allocated to provide emergency furnace replacements.

In Missouri , Gov. Matt Blunt signed legislation January 19, that provides about $6.1 million in state energy aid to low income. Blunt proposed the spending as an emergency addition to the state’s budget, and the bill was the first passed by the legislature. The energy assistance is available through LIHEAP to people earning up to 125 percent of the federal poverty level. People having trouble paying their heating bills can receive one-time grants, which vary in amount depending on the family’s size, income and heating fuel source. Those whose service has been disconnected or who have received shut off notices are eligible for as much as $600 in emergency aid.

Source: State newspapers

Page Last Updated: January 23, 2006