(Host) A panel of top Vermont state officials that tracks fiscal issues has approved Governor Peter Shumlin’s request for $6.1 million in state money to make up for cuts in federal heating assistance.
The Emergency Board, which is made up of the governor and the chairs of the four legislative money committees, voted unanimously today to support a plan unveiled by Shumlin last week.
Federal aid to Vermont for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program – or LIHEAP – is being cut from last year’s level of $27.5 million, to $19.5 million this year.
Shumlin’s plan is to make up for most of that cut with $5.1 million from a fund set aside by lawmakers last year to guard against federal cuts.