(Host) Vermonters struggling to keep their homes warm this winter are getting some extra help from the federal government.
Members of Vermont’s congressional delegation say the Bush administration has released $450 million in emergency heating assistance.
Senator Bernie Sanders says the nearly $4 million that will go to Vermonters is desperately needed.
(Sanders) “The agencies around the state that distribute this funding are running out of money for LIHEAP. We worry very much that people might go cold. So it is really a very good thing that this money is now being made available. There is another $150 million in the emergency fund that the White House has not yet released. And we want them to release that money, also, as soon as possible.”
(Host) Sanders says even that isn’t enough.
He’s pushing Senate leaders to act on a bill that he introduced. It would provide another $800 million nationally for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.