Resolution 010

R10

2003 -- S 0040

Enacted 01/14/02

 

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

MEMORIALIZING THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO

REINSTATE FULL FUNDING FOR THE LIHEAP PROGRAM

     

     Introduced By: Senators Celona, Irons, J Montalbano, P Fogarty, McCaffrey, Goodwin, and Ruggerio

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2003

 

 

     WHEREAS, The federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

(LIHEAP) has provided crucial assistance to some of Rhode Island’s neediest families, allowing

them to pay their winter heating bills; and

     WHEREAS, The President’s proposed FY03 budget has reduced program funding for

Rhode Island from $11.5 million to $9.5 million. In addition, Rhode Island received an additional

$750,000 last winter through a supplemental contingency fund. The total proposed reduction this

winter in assistance funds to Rhode Island Families is $2,750,000; and

     WHEREAS, This nation’s highest heating costs are in New England where low-income

household occupants often have to decide between eating or heat; and

     WHEREAS, If LIHEAP is not adequately funded this year, families, elderly and disabled

persons in Rhode Island will not have the resources and assistance they need to remain warm and

safe; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests that, as the cold weather continues, the President and Congress of the

United States act immediately to combat the growing crisis facing so many Rhode Island families

and fully restore Rhode Island’s subsidy for the essential Low Income Energy Assistance

Program; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation.

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LC00370

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