Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Robbins' Home Heating Assistance Measure

HEAT ON Act would help expand and maximize home energy assistance

Harrisburg: Today, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee held a hearing on legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Senate Bill 1270, the Home Energy Assistance in Time Of Need -- or HEAT ON -- Act would maximize the use of federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) dollars and ensure that heating aid reaches as many Pennsylvania families as possible. Furthermore, the bill puts in place several accountability provisions to ensure that funding goes to those most in need. LIHEAP grants, which do not need to be repaid, are available to low-income households.

Sen. Robbins stated, "This legislation builds off of the General Assembly's historic efforts last year to allocate state dollars to supplement Pennsylvania's federal LIHEAP appropriation. It's important that we look for ways to maximize LIHEAP so that we can provide as much home heating assistance as possible to those that need it most, particularly with winter right around the corner."

The hearing featured testimony by a panel of energy providers, including Mike Love, the President of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, who advocated for legislative oversight over the Department of Public Welfare's administration of the LIHEAP Program. The Association believes that the oversight in Senate Bill 1270 will lead to a more efficient distribution of LIHEAP funding with some consistency and predictability for consumer and providers.

A panel of community providers, including Ron Errett, the Chief Executive Officer of the Community Action Partnership of Mercer County, advocated for more program certainty, so that consumers and community providers alike know what the guidelines will be from year to year. Mr. Errett also promoted weatherization, a key component of the LIHEAP program.

Sen. Robbins stated, "I am looking forward to working with the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee to review the comments and suggestions made at today's hearing in order to strengthen this legislation."

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322