Governors call for boost in home heating aid

N.H. governor: ‘It’s potentially a crisis and I don’t use that word lightly’

BOSTON – Governors from across New England, warning that some families may have to choose between food or warmth this winter, have called for a sharp boost in federal home heating aid.

The governors, meeting in Boston on Wednesday, said they are sending letters to President Bush, the presidential candidates, U.S. House and Senate leaders and their congressional delegations asking for an increase in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.


New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said home heating oil prices have nearly doubled in the past year and are approaching $5 a gallon in some areas.

He said his state received about $25 million to help 33,000 low income families last winter and would need $50 million for the same level of aid this winter.

“I think it’s potentially a crisis and I don’t use that word lightly,” he said. “We don’t want our families to be in the situation of having to make choices between being able to buy food for themselves or filling up the heating oil tank in their homes.”

AP