Sen. Kelly Renews Calls to Bolster Home Heating Assistance

November 4, 2022

Kelly Joins TEAM, Inc., Advocates at Roundtable on Home Heating Crisis 

 

DERBY, CT – At a roundtable event that took place today at TEAM, Inc., Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) renewed his repeated calls for Connecticut to bolster funding for home heating assistance at a time when Congress has cut the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program and need among Connecticut families is growing.

 

“Connecticut families are facing a home heating crisis,” said Sen. Kelly. “We heard today from residents who are facing impossible decisions. Should I heat my home or pay my mortgage? Should I use my oven to keep my kitchen warm? These are choices no family should ever have to make. People are hurting, and we need to address this now, before winter is here. Connecticut has the resources to bolster energy assistance, and I will continue to fight for action to provide that relief to our seniors and working and middle class families.”

 

Sen. Kelly, along with Senate and House Republican legislators in Connecticut, has proposed increasing LIHEAP funds by $112.3 million to accommodate increased demand and expand benefits to more working and middle class families expected to struggle to heat their homes this winter.

 

Congress has only approved $86.4 million in LIHEAP assistance for Connecticut, a 32% reduction from last year’s level of assistance. TEAM, Inc. today spoke about the increasing pressure of an 11% increase in demand, and skyrocketing prices.

 

Sen. Kelly thanked the many community members who joined together to speak out and listen at today’s event, including the advocates at TEAM, Inc. and President David Morgan, Ansonia Superintendent Dr. Joe DiBacco, BH Care, Community Foundation, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, Ansonia Mayor David Cassetti, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Representative Kara Rochelle, and Derby Economic Development Director and officials.

Click to watch video.

 

 

If you are in need of winter energy assistance, you can apply for help online, by phone, by email, by mail, or in person at your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Click to learn how to apply.

 

Local Community Action Agencies in the 21st Senate District:

  • Alliance for Community Empowerment, Inc.
    1070 Park Avenue
    Bridgeport, CT 06604
    (203) 366-8241 ext. 3991
    https://alliancect.org