Heating Crisis

Democrats in the State Senate have introduced a proposal to extend home heating aid to middle-class families and increase the benefit for low-income households.

The proposal calls on the federal government to expand funding so families of four making up to $45,000 a year could get up to $1,000 to help pay their winter heating bills.

It also creates a state-funded middle-income home energy assistance program that will offer an average benefit of $350 to families of four making between $45,000 and $63,699. A family of four with income between $63,700 and $84,899 would, on average, be eligible for $250 in aid.

Senator Parker (D-Brooklyn) proposed paying for the aid by auctioning carbon permits as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, rather than imposing a new tax.

Senate Democrats also want to invest in making older homes and apartments better-equipped to handle winter. Parker said the cost would be covered through tax-exempt state bonds, repaid by consumers through their utility bills.

Republicans haven’t considered this proposal and are likely to advance their own tax related concept aimed at pushing the Assembly to reject it for political points. It is the season for playing games with the welfare of their constituents.