Wall Calls For Increased Heating Assistance

Wall Calls For Increased Heating Assistance

Democratic candidate for Congress Jamie Wall today expressed outrage about the growing heating crisis and decried Speaker John Gard's decision to attend a Washington fundraiser instead of convening the state Assembly to protect Wisconsinites from soaring heating costs.

"John Gard and the Republicans are playing politics with Wisconsin families. Families are struggling to heat their homes this winter because Congress left them behind," Wall said. "People are looking to their representatives for leadership, but John Gard chose to attend a lavish fundraiser with his Beltway buddies instead of helping those who are struggling."

Last Wednesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Gard and several GOP lawmakers are headed to Washington to raise money instead of heeding Gov. Doyle's call for an emergency session on home heating.

In December, Congress voted against Democratic proposals to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). A supplemental bill to fund LIHEAP is expected to reach the floor of the House this week.

Wall continued, "Even if those in need see some relief from Congress this week, it's shocking that during a heating crisis, John Gard is going to Washington to raise money from the very Congressional leaders who underfunded federal heating legislation in the first place and the special interests who pull the strings in Washington. He's literally leaving Wisconsin families in the cold."

"John Gard is out of touch with the needs of Northeast Wisconsin. It's time for a change," Wall concluded.

http://www.wallforcongress.com/liheap