Milford Rep. Kennedy Urges Session For Home Heating Program

MILFORD, CT — State Rep. Kathy Kennedy (R-119) joined other legislative Republicans in calling for a special session to replenish the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program ahead of winter.

Federal funding for the program dropped by $50 million, or 40 percent, compared with last year. The program helps low-income families with heating costs.

Legislative Republicans are calling for the state to add $79.2 million to the program by using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. They also want to provide a flat $330 benefit to households between 61 percent and 120 percent of the state median come, which is $150,000 or less for a family of four.

Applications for the program opened today. Basic benefits are around $400 for the season, but can be higher depending on family size and income, according to Gov. Ned Lamont's office. Benefits are available for households up to 60 percent of the state median income, which is about $76,400 for a family of four.

"In Milford and Orange, many families are worried about paying for heat this winter, and this plan would provide thousands of Connecticut families with much-needed financial relief and some solace as we head into the cold months," Kennedy said in a statement.

Lamont said his administration wants to wait and see if Congress will add more federal dollars to the program, according to CT News Junkie. Funds could be added when the state legislature goes into its regular session in January.