Governor Rell: Heating Aid Approved

for Senior Citizens and Non-Profits

“Today’s approval of my heating assistance plans for senior citizens and non-profit human service agencies means we can now move forward and begin helping thousands of citizens through a cold and costly New England winter.

This unstable economy has profoundly affected budgets on every level – state, local and individual households. With this package now in place, we can offer real relief and ease the fears of those who wondered how they would pay soaring fuel bills.

We already know that many residents, who never before asked for assistance, are reaching out now. For those who operate homeless shelters or group homes, this aid will help them continue to be a lifeline to so many Connecticut citizens.

I commend the committee members for their thoughtful review and swift approval. We all understand that by working together we can ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens of Connecticut.”

Details of the Governor’s $4 million Elderly Home Heating Assistance Plan (EHHAP):

·        (Connecticut residents 65 or older whose income is equal to or less than the state median income are eligible)

·        Provide payments of up to $500 directly to utilities, oil dealers or other vendor for heating expenses incurred from November 1, 2008 to May 15, 2009

·        $500,000 to Operation Fuel for outreach

·        Seniors eligible for the state’s two low-income heating assistance programs (CEAP and CHAP) must first exhaust those benefits before being eligible for EHHAP.

Details of the Governor’s $3.5 Million Plan for Non-Profits:

The aid will be split among the following state agencies, the Judicial Branch and The Children’s Trust Fund to be expedited to providers with no administrative expenses:

Department of Social Services - $1.6 million

Department of Developmental Services – $1.57 million

Department of Children and Families - $749,000

Department of Mental Health and Addiction - $514,500

Department of Correction – $90,650

Department of Public Health - $80,150

Judicial Branch - $218,000

Children’s Trust Fund - $36,400