Statement from Governor David A. Paterson

ALBANY, NY (12/22/2010)(readMedia)-- "I applaud Congress' inclusion of additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the Continuing Resolution approved by Congress and signed by President Obama. This funding will allow New York's Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to better meet the increased demand we are seeing in what has already been a cold winter. Without this critical clarification of Congress' intent, we would have been forced to stop issuing regular HEAP benefits in early January, leaving tens of thousands of senior citizens and low-income households without the help they count on to cover their heating bills in the winter months.

"These additional funds should help the State to continue issuing HEAP benefits into March, when final funding for LIHEAP will be decided. Under the Senate's original budget proposal, New York stood to receive just $276.7 million, a reduction of more than $200 million from the $479 million we received last year.

"This welcomed action will provide much-needed relief to New Yorkers struggling to find a way to afford the rising cost of heating their homes. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and our entire Congressional Delegation for their support of this vital program."

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