TRENTON – Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, released the following statement today regarding the Senate State Government Committee meeting, where testimony was heard on the State’s plan for the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant:
“I am most definitely in favor of the LIHEAP program because of the assistance it provides to many of New Jersey’s low income residents. The purpose of today’s hearing was to call attention to the program, and to help make the public aware that there are resources available if they are having trouble paying to heat their homes. These programs can only help people if they know how to secure the funding they need.
“Recently, Governor Corzine signed an executive order directing the LIHEAP program to be administered through the Department of Community Affairs, which would end the program’s administration duplication, and provide a single source for residents to contact if they need help.
“The executive order is a step in the right direction toward making sure that New Jersey receives the federal funding it needs to help be able to provide much needed energy assistance grants to the residents who so desperately need them.
“Residents should be aware that they can apply online through the Department of Community Affairs.”