October 16, 2008 - 4:09pm
Press Release

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SPENCER APPLAUDS GOVERNOR FOR COMMITMENT TO LOWERING SENIOR CITIZENS' HEATING COSTS

SPENCER APPLAUDS GOVERNOR FOR COMMITMENT
TO LOWERING SENIOR CITIZENS' HEATING COSTS

(TRENTON) -- Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer today applauded Governor Jon S. Corzine for making energy assistance to low-income residents and seniors a cornerstone of his economic package.

Spencer is the sponsor of legislation (A-688) that would provide an annual cost-of-living increase in Lifeline Credit and Tenants Lifeline Assistance program that helps low-income seniors and disabled persons pay gas and utility bills. The increase would be proportional to the increase in the Social Security benefit for the year or 5 percent, whichever is less. The current assistance is only $225.

Following the Governor's speech, Spencer (D-Essex) released the following statement:

"I stand with Governor Corzine in his commitment to energy assistance for our low income residents and seniors .

"Ominous signs regarding winter fuel bills, looming cold weather and the global economic crisis simply re-emphasize the need to help low-income seniors and the disabled pay ever-increasing gas and utility bills.

"Vulnerable residents on fixed incomes cannot be thrown into the teeth of another winter with an energy assistance credit that will barely cover even a fraction of their bills.

"Families who rely on this assistance deserve every assurance that we will help them make it through the winter with dignity."

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DROSEMAN can be reached via email at droseman@njleg.org.