The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Executive Department

State House Boston, MA 02133

(617) 725-4000

MITT ROMNEY

GOVERNOR

KERRY HEALEY

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

January 24, 2003 CONTACT:

Shawn Feddeman

(617) 727-2759

ROMNEY LAUDS BUSH FOR ADDITIONAL LIHEAP FUNDING

Urges Congress to quickly pass increased LIHEAP funding

Governor Mitt Romney today announced that Massachusetts will receive an additional $12.3 million to help low-income people pay their home heating oil bills this winter thanks to President Bush's decision to release $200 million in emergency funds nationwide to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Romney lauded the President, saying, “We are grateful President Bush recognizes the need to release these emergency funds now. Given the severity of the weather this winter, along with increasing energy prices, this is certainly good news for the people of Massachusetts and the nation.”

The Governor noted that the emergency funds, along with an expected $70 million in regular LIHEAP funding, will allow Massachusetts to serve the needs of more than 130,000 low-income people statewide this winter. The President has reserved another $100 million in contingency funds for future national energy emergencies.

Each year, LIHEAP assists more than 4.6 million low-income Americans in paying their heating bills.

Although Congress has yet to determine this year's final LIHEAP appropriation, it is expected that a total of nearly $2 billion will be made available to states, including $300 million added by the U.S. Senate just this week. A final conference with the House of Representatives is expected to take place within the next week, with final passage of the bill anticipated by early February.

“I urge all members of Congress to support the highest possible funding for LIHEAP,” said Romney. “We need to get the funds to those who need help the most to stay safe and warm this winter.”