Pollina Says to Consider Rainy Day Funds for Heating Help — Faults Governor on Weatherization
June 20, 2008 Press Statement:
When Vermont officials meet next week to discuss the rising cost of fuel oil they should consider dipping into the state’s rainy day fund to help the most vulnerable Vermonters.
We have to make sure Vermonters facing a cold winter and high heating costs get more than a bunch of hot air coming from Montpelier.
Lower income Vermonters who qualify for fuel assistance aren’t the only ones facing a tough winter. The high cost of heating fuel along with rising gasoline prices will force a lot of middle class working Vermonters to make some very tough choices when it comes time to pay the bills this winter. And these Vermonters don’t qualify for fuel assistance.
We are in a bind. The Bush Administration and Congress are unwilling to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Oil companies are making record profits while consumer fuel prices have doubled. But we can’t blame Bush and the oil companies for our lack of preparation. The current administration has been unwilling to make timely investments in home weatherization and energy efficiency.
Governor Douglas slowed down energy efficiency efforts and vetoed a 2007 bill.
And, though he recently announced the release an additional $1 million in weatherization funds, his budget this year did not include an increase. It was the legislature who eventually increased that funding and even that is too little too late.
very year that we delay, costs us more money and causes more pain for low income Vermonters. We need to push for more LIHEAP money from the federal government, but if it is not on its way we need to do everything we can to help Vermonters stay warm this winter.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 20, 2008
CONTACT: Meg Brook - 802-864-2008