State to add $8.5M in heating aid

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The state's pool of money available to help struggling Missourians pay their winter heating bills will be increased by $8.5 million, Gov. Jay Nixon's office said Friday.

The additional money will be taken from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and would otherwise have gone into a reserve fund, Nixon's office said.

"Keeping Missouri families safe and warm during the coldest months of the year will continue to be a top priority for my administration," Nixon said in a written statement.

Community agencies that distribute heating assistance had recommended adding $10 million to the state Utilicare program, which supplements the federal system. The agencies suggested putting $7 million toward winter heating and summer cooling aid and $3 million into weatherization.

Nixon's office said the $8.5 million in federal funds means there's no need to spend any extra state funds on Utilicare this year. All those funds will be used toward boosting winter heating help.

The Missouri Association for Community Action said there is a waiting list for the aid in Kansas City and that three more of Missouri's 19 agencies could be out of funds by February.

Agencies in Kansas City and St. Louis will be the first recipients of the extra money, Nixon's office said.

Missouri has received about $45 million in federal funds for utility assistance in each of the past three years. Last year, the state had about $75 million total to be used for energy assistance through state funds and carry-over from the previous year.

That money can be distributed to low-income people as one-time grants based on income, family size and the fuel that is used. Funds also are set aside for crisis cases, allowing people whose service has been disconnected or who have received shut-off notices to get up to $800 for heating. Money also can be used to help pay for weatherizing homes.

According to the Social Services Department, the average recipient of energy aid had two people in a household and made $720 each month after taxes.

Missouri lawmakers expanded the utility assistance programs last year and raised the assistance level for families at risk of having their utilities shut off. The legislature also required the Social Services Department to use state funds to help low-income people weatherize their homes.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, citing predictions of higher winter heating costs, called in October for a special legislative session to boost state aid for those struggling with utility bills. But then-Gov. Matt Blunt decided against calling lawmakers back to the Capitol after the November election.