REP. DREW, REP. FAWCETT, SEN. MCKINNEY:FAIRFIELD TO RECEIVE STATE ASSISTANCE FOR SCHOOL HEATING

State Representative Tom Drew (D-Fairfield), Kim Fawcett (D-Fairfield, Westport) and Senator John McKinney (R-Easton, Fairfield, Newtown, Weston) announced that the legislature has approved a plan under which Fairfield will receive $116,752 in state grants to pay for winter heating costs at their public schools.

The distribution plan was approved Tuesday during a joint meeting of the General Assembly’s Appropriations and Energy Committees. The money is part of the energy assistance package passed by the legislature in August.

Rep. Drew said, “Our towns are struggling to make ends meet and the state needs to do what is can to ease the overwhelming burden on property taxpayers. Every bit of state aid helps.”

Rep. Fawcett said, “We are all pleased to continue to work together to advocate for our children and their schools, during these tough times every little bit will help.”

Senator McKinney said, “I’m pleased Fairfield’s schools will benefit in a significant way from the home heating assistance program passed by the legislature in special session. As municipalities across Connecticut make adjustments to cope with growing budget deficits and a faltering national economy, this funding will help our schools continue to provide our children with a quality education.”

Checks under this program will be issued within the next few weeks.

The legislature’s previously approved energy assistance package includes more than $75 million in heating help that will go to tens of thousands of families across Connecticut to heat their homes this winter. Eligibility information on these home heating assistance programs can obtained by calling the state’s Infoline at 2-1-1 or the Department of Social Services at 1-800-842-1132.