Posted by Governor's Office on 15:59:41 12/22/04

NEWS RELEASE

Acting Governor Richard J. Codey

December 22, 2004

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kelley Heck 609-777-2600

CODEY ASKS PRESIDENT BUSH TO RELEASE EMERGENCY HEATING FUNDS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES

(TRENTON) Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today wrote President Bush, asking him to release $300 million in emergency contingency funds that was provided the Fiscal 2005 Consolidated Assistance Program, to help elderly, disabled and other low-income individuals meet their energy needs.

The President has the power to determine that an emergency exists, and that the $300 million in emergency funds can be released. Acting Governor Codey is asking President Bush to quickly recognize that the circumstances in New Jersey constitute a true emergency.

Enrollment in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) enrollment in New Jersey has increased from 117,000 households in 2001 to over 155,000 households in 2004, and the State has already seen a 15 percent increase in applications this year.

As the Acting Governor s letter points out, this week s cold weather was a sober reminder that we are just entering the coldest months of the year. New Jersey families will need to spend more to keep warm this year.

The text of Acting Governor Codey s letter is below.

December 22, 2004

The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Bush:

I urge you to release the $300 million in emergency contingency funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that was provided in the fiscal year 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act. These funds are essential for New Jersey to help meet the increasing demand for energy assistance for the elderly, children, persons with disabilities, and other low income individuals as a result of higher energy costs. Additionally, because of the anticipated colder than normal winter, it is vital that these funds be available now to meet the escalating need for home heating assistance. The sudden rise in demand for emergency assistance during this week s cold spell highlighted the need for immediate release of the LIHEAP emergency funds.

LIHEAP enrollment in New Jersey has increased from 117,000 households in 2001 to over 155,000 households in 2004, and we have already seen a 15 percent increase in applications this year.

New Jersey families will need to spend more to keep warm this year. Natural gas is the primary heating fuel in my state. The price of this fuel has increased since December 2003 and we expect it to rise further this season. Oil, propane and kerosene prices have also increased in the last year.

This week s cold weather was a sober reminder that we are just entering the coldest months of the year. It is critical that you release the emergency energy assistance funds now to enable New Jersey to protect some of our most vulnerable residents who are struggling with these much higher energy costs. Thank you for considering this important matter.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Codey
Acting Governor

###

Photos and audio and video clips from Acting Governor Codey s public events are available

in the Governor's Newsroom section on the State of New Jersey web page, http://www.nj.gov/gov_newsroom.html.

Follow Ups:

• <a href='http://www.masbatenews.com'onclick='return(false);' - Masbate News, Masbate 17:57:49 10/18/05 (0)