Sunday, October 12, 2008
More Kentucky Families To Receive Assistance.
At a time when families are hurting financially, Kentucky will more than double the assistance it gives this year through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Flanked by Congressman John Yarmuth and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Gov. Beshear told residents at an apartment complex for seniors and disabled citizens that Congress has increased funding for the heating crisis program, and his administration is discussing how best to distribute the vital funding.
“As we grow closer to the coldest part of the year, families face a greater challenge – the increasing cost of heating their homes,” said Gov. Beshear. “Through programs like this, government leaders must continue to be aggressive in finding ways to protect Kentucky families in this time of crisis.”
Kentucky will receive more than $68 million in federal funds this year, more than double the anticipated $30 million Kentucky was to receive. Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) will disburse funds to Community Action Kentucky, who in turn, will distribute the money to families requiring such assistance. State officials are working with those agencies to determine the parameters of distribution.
“With energy costs increasing and so many families struggling to pay their bills, I'm proud that we were able to increase Kentucky's funding for home energy assistance by 126 percent,” Congressman Yarmuth said. “This funding will ensure that thousands of Kentucky families won't have to face the choice of turning on the heat in the winter or buying clothes for their children.”
The increase in funding is significant considering the escalation of energy prices and the number of families in need who did not receive assistance in the past. Last year, LIHEAP funds were distributed to nearly 174,000 Kentucky families. According to CHFS, an estimated 45,000 additional families needed help, but no funds remained in the program. With the increase in funding, it is estimated that up to 150,000 additional families will benefit from the assistance.
CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said state officials will discuss with community and service agencies how best to use the increased funds. In addition to serving more people, state officials said consideration could be given to options such as increasing the subsidy some families receive and allocating additional dollars into home weatherization.
The additional funding will help Louisville Metro Government and Community Action Partnership expand efforts to help needy families keep their homes warm and pay their heating bills this winter, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said. Hundreds of elderly and disabled citizens have already pre-applied for LIHEAP funding.
“With rising energy costs and tough economic challenges, more families will need a helping hand to stay warm this winter,” Abramson said. “I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Yarmuth and Governor Beshear to provide a much-needed financial boost to our on-going efforts.”
Community Action Agencies will take applications for LIHEAP assistance beginning November 3. For more information, visit www.kaca.org or call 1-800-456-3452 to find a local Community Action Agency.
Flanked by Congressman John Yarmuth and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, Gov. Beshear told residents at an apartment complex for seniors and disabled citizens that Congress has increased funding for the heating crisis program, and his administration is discussing how best to distribute the vital funding.
“As we grow closer to the coldest part of the year, families face a greater challenge – the increasing cost of heating their homes,” said Gov. Beshear. “Through programs like this, government leaders must continue to be aggressive in finding ways to protect Kentucky families in this time of crisis.”
Kentucky will receive more than $68 million in federal funds this year, more than double the anticipated $30 million Kentucky was to receive. Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) will disburse funds to Community Action Kentucky, who in turn, will distribute the money to families requiring such assistance. State officials are working with those agencies to determine the parameters of distribution.
“With energy costs increasing and so many families struggling to pay their bills, I'm proud that we were able to increase Kentucky's funding for home energy assistance by 126 percent,” Congressman Yarmuth said. “This funding will ensure that thousands of Kentucky families won't have to face the choice of turning on the heat in the winter or buying clothes for their children.”
The increase in funding is significant considering the escalation of energy prices and the number of families in need who did not receive assistance in the past. Last year, LIHEAP funds were distributed to nearly 174,000 Kentucky families. According to CHFS, an estimated 45,000 additional families needed help, but no funds remained in the program. With the increase in funding, it is estimated that up to 150,000 additional families will benefit from the assistance.
CHFS Secretary Janie Miller said state officials will discuss with community and service agencies how best to use the increased funds. In addition to serving more people, state officials said consideration could be given to options such as increasing the subsidy some families receive and allocating additional dollars into home weatherization.
The additional funding will help Louisville Metro Government and Community Action Partnership expand efforts to help needy families keep their homes warm and pay their heating bills this winter, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said. Hundreds of elderly and disabled citizens have already pre-applied for LIHEAP funding.
“With rising energy costs and tough economic challenges, more families will need a helping hand to stay warm this winter,” Abramson said. “I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Yarmuth and Governor Beshear to provide a much-needed financial boost to our on-going efforts.”
Community Action Agencies will take applications for LIHEAP assistance beginning November 3. For more information, visit www.kaca.org or call 1-800-456-3452 to find a local Community Action Agency.
# posted by Joe Kinzer @ 6:56 AM 
