HARRISBURG, November 22, 2005 - With today’s Senate passage of a bill that would appropriate $25 million to help needy Pennsylvanians stay warm this winter, Pennsylvania is poised to join 25 other states in providing additional funds to the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), according to state Sen. Michael Stack.

“The state Senate stood up today and did the right thing for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Stack (D-Philadelphia). “This bill could help an additional 60,000 needy families and seniors keep their heat on this year. I am pleased that we have taken action to support LIHEAP.”

House Bill 1539 would direct one mill of the utilities’ gross receipts tax annually from the General Fund to a special account for emergency energy assistance. Senators expect that Gov. Ed Rendell would use these funds to expand the LIHEAP program. Because state tax revenues have outpaced projections this year, this legislation will have no impact on the General Fund.

LIHEAP assists low-income households with paying heating bills, weatherization, and dealing with utility shut-offs. For nearly two years, Senate Democrats have called for a state supplement to LIHEAP, noting that Pennsylvania has been the only cold-weather state that has not done so.

“Rising energy prices, coupled with federal budget pressures, make a state supplement to LIHEAP absolutely vital,” said Stack. “I hope the House approves this bill and sends it to the governor quickly.”

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has estimated that the state might need an additional $200 million in funding over the Bush budget request to hold LIHEAP beneficiaries harmless. The state received $145.5 million (second only to New York) in 2005, but the Bush budget request only asked for $136.3 million. The federal appropriations bill (Labor/Health and Human Services/Education, H.R. 3010) that sets LIHEAP funding levels is still being negotiated in a congressional conference committee between the House and Senate.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can call the Philadelphia hotline at (215) 560-2970. Those with Internet access may apply electronically via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) Web site at www.compass.state.pa.us.

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