Governor’s Column - February 23, 2007
by Governor Matt Blunt
Helping Missourians with Winter Heating Costs
This winter has been particularly difficult, with major storm events impacting our entire state. Rising energy prices have also hit many Missourians as we face one of the toughest Missouri winters in some time. In 1979 our state established the Utilicare program to help low-income Missourians with their utility costs. The program recognizes that no Missourian should have to choose between heating their home and the necessities of life such as food and prescription medicine.
Recently I signed legislation to provide $6.3 million to fund Missouri’s Utilicare program. The program was created to help elderly, disabled and low-income families supplement the cost of energy to heat their homes and apartments. Before I became governor, Utilicare had not been funded since 2001. However last year, we provided full funding to this vital program and helped more than 12,000 Missouri households. This year we are, for the second year in a row, fully funding this energy assistance program for those who need it the most.
Missourians can sign up for Utilicare through their Local Community Action Agencies. Any Missouri resident whose combined household income is less than or equal to 125 percent of the federal poverty level and qualifies for LIHEAP, the federal low-income winter heating assistance program, is eligible for assistance from Utilicare. For more information about Utilicare contact your Local Community Action Agency at http://www.communityaction.org/CAAServiceAreas.htm.
In addition to assisting with utility payments Missouri families can also qualify to receive help with weatherizing their homes. Weatherization would help households improve energy efficiency and help reduce heating and cooling costs.
No Missourian should have to make the difficult decision between heating their home or the necessities of life. By fully funding the state’s Utilicare program we are working to enhance the quality of life as well as the health of our neighbors. I was pleased to provide this funding so we can again provide assistance to those truly in need.