Posted on September 7, 2022
(HARTFORD) — Last week, Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) joined House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-86) and Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) in calling for a special session to consider additional funding for the significantly insufficient Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allocation plan.
CT Republicans responded with this call after CT Democratic lawmakers blocked a vote last week to increase funding for energy assistance, primarily for low-income families. Currently, the Governor’s proposed allocation plan anticipates $79 million in federal funds, which is a 40% decrease from last year of more than $50 million.
“Without properly funding this energy relief, it means taking money away from in-need families,” commented Rep. Perillo. “LIHEAP is the designated program to assist families with their annual heating costs. This means without sufficient funding, households of single parents, children, and even seniors will not have heat this winter.”
During this August 29, 2022 hearing, legislators heard testimony from a variety of concerned residents and business owners who fear cutting funding from LIHEAP will create an additional financial burden for low-income families this winter, who normally apply each season.
“Both families and businesses have testified that LIHEAP deserves more attention”, Rep. Perillo added. “CT Democrats are failing to allocate essential funding for LIHEAP, and this is why we need to unify and support the consideration of sufficient funding that truthfully can serve the higher expectation of LIHEAP applicants this fall.”
“That is why I have signed the petition calling for a special session to enact legislation, redirecting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to continue funding LIHEAP at the necessary levels, preventing each low-income family from losing an average of $3,000. Now more than ever, as financial insecurity concerns are present throughout our state, there is no better time to address home heating funding as the vital necessity it is.”
For more information on this and other state issues, please visit RepPerillo.com where you can also contact the representative with questions and concerns, as well as visit his Facebook page.