Home heating oil aid will nearly double across the U.S.The Bush Administration has released $5.1 billion in heating assistance to the states, helping millions of families heat their homes this winter. The heating aid was included as a stopgap budget bill that Congress passed and President Bush signed.
Massachusetts will receive $213 million in federal fuel assistance as its share of the $5.1 billion appropriated by Congress.
Release of the funds, targeted to help the state's low-income households pay for their winter heating bills, was jointly announced Friday, Oct. 17 by Sens. Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry.
The Associated Press reports that the slumping economy and high energy costs are leaving millions unable to afford heat this winter. Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. says, "The double whammy of rising costs and economic uncertainty is hitting local consumers hard. With this increase in funding, hopefully no one in Massachusetts should have to make a heat-or-eat decision this winter."
According to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association, the heating aid will be able to help two million families more than originally expected. The funding is incredibly helpful in Mass., where the cold winters and high oil heat usage is prone to high energy costs.
Senior citizens and low income families will certainly benefit, keeping warm at an affordable cost.
Click here for more information on how you get help with your winter heating bill.
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