Paul Tonko Responds to Funds For Home Heating

Statement

Paul Tonko Responds To Funds For Home Heating

Democratic candidate for Congress says funds are not enough for New Yorkers in need; Congress and the President must do more to avert crisis

"President Bush yesterday authorized the release of roughly $120 million in contingency funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, in response to what will be historically high home heating oil prices this winter. Of this, only $12 million will be allocated to New York State. This relates to roughly $25 per LIHEAP recipient. While this additional support is appreciated, it is not nearly enough to avert a potential crisis.

"Working families in New York State are facing home heating costs that will be hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars higher than last year's record highs. These costs will now be piled on top of high food and gas prices and a sagging economy. These factors all present a serious threat for working families and seniors living on fixed incomes.

"The Federal government must take a leadership role helping working families and seniors with the high cost of home heating. The next Congress and President must act immediately to increase funding for the LIHEAP program to prevent widespread hardship this winter.

"In 2005, I sponsored a bill in the New York State Assembly that increased the Home Energy Assistance Plan benefits using state funds providing working families more help with their energy bills. This was the first legislation of this type in the nation."

Paul Tonko is the former President and CEO of NYSERDA and served in the New York State Assembly from 1983 to 2007. He announced his bid for the 21st Congressional District on May 20, 2008 among friends, elected officials and union members.

On September 9, Paul won the Democratic primary. On Election Day, November 4, Paul will appear on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.

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