Oil Up/Temperature Down/Funding Short
Creates Sure Formula For Unhealthy KidsOil Up/Temperature Down/Funding Short
Creates Sure Formula For Unhealthy KidsBy Congressman Bill Delahunt
As I write this today, the price of oil is skyrocketing and temperatures continue to plummet, a chilling combination making it increasingly difficult for some to get through the winter.
Recently, I joined with the leaders of pediatric departments of Boston teaching hospitals to express my concern about the negative health effects for families unable to pay their heating bills. This is of particular concern for children, the sick and the elderly.
The primary federal government program for home heating assistance is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program is vital in preventing people from choosing between heating their home and feeding their family and is quite effective for those who actually receive the aid. Unfortunately, only 16.1 percent of the people who qualify for the program receive assistance at a time when the Department of Energy estimates that home heating will cost an average household an additional $1,000 this winter.
This fall, I joined with my colleagues to urge President Bush to fully fund this program. I am pleased to say that late last month; the President signed into law an omnibus appropriations bill that included funding for the LIHEAP program. The total was $2.6 billion, representing a $409 million increase over his budget proposal to Congress, but still representing only half of the $5.1 billion it would take to fully fund the program and ensure that all who qualify receive the aid.
Keeping warm on a cold winter’s night is more than a question of comfort; this is a health care issue as well.
A recent study from the Children’s Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program (C-SNAP) based at Boston Medical Center documents the widespread concern of area physicians that those individuals and families who struggle to pay rising home-heating costs are forced to make difficult decisions which greatly affect the health of their families.
The report found that babies and toddlers who live in households that qualify for LIHEAP but do not receive it are more likely to be in poor health, have a history of hospitalization, and be at risk for developmental problems. These children are also more likely to be underweight, and 32 percent are more likely to be admitted to the hospital.
The report also examined how the elderly are affected by choices between food and energy. The United States Department of Agriculture has found that senior citizens who do not receive LIHEAP assistance are more likely to eat a nutritionally inadequate diet and experience hunger.
Adequate funding is needed now more than ever.
Recently, I joined with Citizens Energy to announce the continuation of the CITGO discount home heating oil program for the 2007-2008 winter season. Last year, this program helped 33,000 families in Massachusetts. Families interested in receiving the discounted heating oil can call Citizens Energy Corporation at 1-877-JOE-4-OIL (1-877-564-4645) or apply online at www.citizensenergy.com. Once approved, the household receives an authorization letter and can call its heating oil dealer to arrange a delivery of up to 100 gallons of heating oil.
For those who qualify, there are also a few other local organizations that may provide assistance on the South Shore, Cape Cod, and the Islands.
If you are a senior who may be in need of fuel assistance, I would urge you to contact your local senior center. The staff should be able to help you determine eligibility and get you in touch with the appropriate community agency.
Otherwise, here are two other local community agencies that may be of assistance:
South Shore Community Action Council: 508-778-0870
Cape and Islands Self Reliance Corp.: 888-808-0120
As always if you have any questions or may need assistance in contacting any of these agencies, please feel free to call my Cape and Islands District office toll-free at 1-800-870-2626 or drop by at 146 Main Street in Hyannis.