Pocono News Section

Low Income Heating Funds Could be Cut

Low Income Heating Funds Could be Cut - Monday, August 31, 2009 at 3:11PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Aug 31, 2009 @ 03:11pm EST
CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Some community groups worry families could be forced to go cold this winter. A program that gives low income families money to pay for heat might shrink. It's called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Lawmakers are considering making cuts to the program.

Volunteers are stocking up for a tough winter at the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network. They provide clothing and food for people in need. Eloise Laubach runs the organization. She said, "We're going to see more people needing food and more people needing rent assistance." She added, I'm sure some families are going to go without heat. That's the bottom line."

LIHEAP gets money from the federal government. President Obama's proposed budget allows less money for the program this year than last year. "That means many less families will be getting heating assistance. They'll be getting much less money," explained Laubach.

The proposal also increases income limits and shortens the program by one month. It would start in December rather than November. Volunteer Dottie Snarky said, "I think there's going to be a lot of cold people this winter."

A Department of Public Welfare spokesperson told Eyewitness News there is still a chance lawmakers could increase the LIHEAP budget. Volunteers hope they do because you never know who will need help. Snarky said, "It could be you or I that's coming in here asking for help. It's not a matter of choice. It's a matter of circumstances."

State officials expect the federal government to make a final decision on LIHEAP spending by September 30th.