Saturday, June 20

Energy assistance bill signed
for Illinois
low-income families

[JULY 20, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Ryan signed Senate Bill 2235 on Thursday, amending the "John W. Maitland Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program" (LIHEAP), ensuring its continuation through 2007, and increasing DCCA’s flexibility in administering LIHEAP to provide needed assistance to Illinois’ low-income families.

In the 2002 State of the State Address, Gov. Ryan renamed the LIHEAP program in honor of Sen. John W. Maitland, who had been a member of the initial program design group and a long-time supporter of the LIHEAP program.

"Establishing LIHEAP has been one of Sen. Maitland’s great contributions to the state of Illinois," said Gov. Ryan. "With the support of Sen. Maitland, the General Assembly, Community Action Agencies, utilities, community groups and consumer advocates, Illinois’ LIHEAP has built upon its initial success and expanded this essential program to bring heating and cooling relief to low-income residents across Illinois."

LIHEAP is a federal grant program that helps low-income households meet the costs of home energy. DCCA provides funds to the state’s network of Community Action Agencies, enabling these community-based organizations to assist income-eligible households in paying a portion of winter heating costs, reconnecting to energy sources, and (depending on program availability) paying a portion of the costs for medically necessary cooling.

 

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In the 2002 fiscal year the total appropriation for LIHEAP was $148 million, of which $83 million was federal funds and $65 million state funds. To date the LIHEAP program has provided assistance to 280,000 people in 2002.

Senate Bill 2235 amends the Energy Assistance Act of 1989, providing additional legislative guidance to DCCA for LIHEAP, and includes a restructuring of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Policy Advisory Council, which advises DCCA on the administration of its energy assistance and weathering programs. The membership of the council is also expanded to 20 from 15.

Senate Bill 2235 was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, R-Elgin; Sen. John Maitland, R-Bloomington; and Sen. Donnie E. Trotter, D-Chicago. House sponsors included Rep. Charles Morrow, D-Chicago; Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville; Rep. Phil Novak, D-Bradley; Rep. Michael Smith, D-Canton; and Rep. Ricca Slone, D-Peoria Heights.

[Illinois Government News Network
press release]


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Friday:

  • Hot, dry conditions continue across Illinois

  • Construction of American Legion home to begin soon

Thursday:

  • Central School move-in date set for fall 2003

  • Committee plans sesquicentennial fund-raising dance for Sept. 21

Wednesday:

  • County budget picture improves

  • $1 billion borrowing plan sold at competitive rate -- State credit rating remains high

Tuesday:

  • Hearing brings overwhelming support for LDC

  • LDC support letter submitted to IHFPB by Mayor Beth Davis

  • Council accepts bid and approves budget

Monday:

  • ALMH among top 10 percent of hospitals surveyed  (Business)
  • History and lessons offered on Underground Railroad signal quilts

Saturday:

  • Five criteria used to evaluate closure of LDC

  • Two out of every five Americans involved (Health)

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