September 19, 2011

OPM SECRETARY BEN BARNES SAYS MALLOY ADMINISTRATION HAS PLAN IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH CUT IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HEATING ASSISTANCE

(HARTFORD, CT) - Benjamin Barnes, Governor Dannel P. Malloy's Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, released the following statement about the Administration's proposal to refocus its home heating funding program, after a cut in federal funding to the state. While the exact amount of funding from the federal government is unknown at this time, budget analysts expect the program to cost approximately $120 million, which is about $73 million more than is expected to be available.

The administration's proposal would refocus the program first-and-foremost on those households that are heated by oil. Utility companies (gas and electric) are prohibited by state law from shutting off customers between November 1 and May 1 due to lack of payment. By refocusing the program on those who are at the greatest risk of getting their heat source shut-off in the winter, the administration will be able to protect those who are most vulnerable. Utility-heated households will be eligible for matching funds from the utility companies to help those households struggling to pay their bill, in addition to additional federal funding, if available.

"No one will freeze to death this winter due to cutbacks in federal funding for home heating. Period.

"In the near-term, the Malloy Administration plan will protect those who are the most vulnerable in our state, while refocusing the program to prioritize those households whose health could be jeopardized due to a lack of heat - those who receive their heat from oil. While utility-heated households are protected by the winter moratorium on shut-offs, it's important to note that, under our proposal, utility-heated households will still be eligible for matching funds from the utility companies, as well as additional federal funding, if available.

"In the longer-term, we are already working with members of Connecticut's Congressional Delegation to help maximize any additional federal benefits to which the state might be entitled, and we are beginning conversations with the utility companies about additional ways in which we can work together to find an acceptable long-term solution.

"Discussions about home heating assistance should always start and end on the matter of safety. Our proposal is practical, while many others being discussed are speculative. We believe this is the best way to help those who need it most, and ensure that no one freezes this winter due to a lack of funding."

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For Immediate Release: September 19, 2011

Contact: Colleen Flanagan

Colleen.Flanagan@ct.gov

860-524-7308 (office)
860-770-8090 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy