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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