Massachusetts Gets $15 Million in State Funds

Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick on November 20 signed a $15 million bill to help low-income households heat their homes.

The money will supplement the state's LIHEAP, allowing the state to raise the average benefit from $715 to $865 this winter. The Governor and legislative leaders had called for an emergency appropriation about two weeks ago, recognizing that with the cost of heating oil averaging more than $3 per gallon in the state ($3.17 as of November 19), poor families and seniors on fixed incomes are facing a tough winter. About 31 percent of the state's low income use heating oil for fuel.

State legislators also said they plan to approve another bill that will provide $3.9 million in fuel assistance for war veterans and their dependents.

Mark Wolfe, the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, credited Patrick for being the first governor this season to make a serious commitment to extra energy assistance.

Source: Governor's office, newspapers

Page Last Updated: January 2, 2008