Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Applauds Lawmakers for Passing Legislation Providing Energy Assistance for Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today applauded House and Senate members for quickly passing House Bill 15 making funding available to help Missourians in need with their winter utility costs.
“I am pleased that the House and Senate quickly passed this important legislation that will allow Missouri to immediately begin providing assistance to vulnerable Missourians,” Blunt said. “By fully funding the state’s Utilicare program for the second year in a row we are working to enhance the quality of life as well as the health and safety of our neighbors.”
Though the bill has passed both Chambers today, legislative process dictates it will not be available for the governor’s signature until tomorrow. The governor will sign the bill as soon as possible after he receives it tomorrow.
In January the governor and legislative leadership in the House and Senate together announced support for $6.3 million to fully fund Missouri’s Utilicare Program. House Bill 15 again fully funds the energy assistance program to assist elderly, disabled and qualified individual households with energy bills.
After the program was left unfunded for 5 years, Blunt secured $6.1 million in 2006 to fully fund Utilicare. Those funds provided support to more than 12,000 low-income households.
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