Tuesday, Jan.10, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Community Action Agencies Commend Blunt, Confirm Need for Utilicare Supplemental Funds
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt and representatives from Community Action Agencies today reiterated the escalating need for emergency supplemental funds to help low-income Missourians pay winter heating bills through the state’s Utilicare program.
"No Missourian should have to choose between heating their home and eating," Blunt said. "With federal monies quickly diminishing, I again ask members of the General Assembly for their support of an emergency appropriation that would allow elderly, disabled and low-income Missourians some relief from high energy costs and rising utility bills."
The governor, House Speaker Rod Jetton, and Senate President Pro Tem Michael R. Gibbons last month called for $6.1 million to fund Utilicare, the state’s program to help low-income Missourians pay winter heating bills. The amount is the maximum allowed by statute.
Representatives from Community Action Agencies, the organizations that administer utility assistance, reported some areas are running out of federal funds and that waiting lists for assistance are continuing to grow. They applauded the governor for his proactive steps to help ease the burden of winter utility costs.
John Joines, Chief Executive Officer of Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Missouri and Spokesperson for Missouri Association for Community Action said, "I speak frequently to organizations around the state. I always acknowledge how fortunate I felt I was to live in a country that cares for its people. Gov. Blunt has reaffirmed that belief. His commitment resonates throughout the nation as the leaders of each state deal with the increases in energy prices and the demands on very tight state and federal budgets."
In addition to supporting funding for Utilicare, Blunt also brokered an agreement between the Public Service Commission and the Missouri Energy Development Association to waive all reconnection fees and suspend deposit requirements for low-income utility consumers. He also called on big oil companies to share their record setting profits with Missourians by directing a portion of them to Utilicare.
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