From staff reports
news@joplinglobe.com
Momentum appeared to build Wednesday for a special session that would allow lawmakers to act early on a program that offers state assistance for those struggling with utility bills.
Gov. Matt Blunt said he would meet with House and Senate leadership after next week’s election to discuss Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder’s request for a special session. Locally, one relief organization said it supported the move and a pair of lawmakers said they were open to the idea.
Kinder called for a special session two weeks ago so that the state could provide $103 million in supplemental funds for its Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before the winter months hit.
Lawmakers return for their regular session in January, but it frequently takes at least several weeks for committees to get organized and be able to consider legislation. House and Senate rules also require about a week for legislation to pass through each chamber.
In a statement released Wednesday, Blunt said: “In response to his call, following next week’s election I will visit with House and Senate leaders to discuss the special session Lt. Gov. Kinder has proposed. We will carefully consider the request, the availability of funds, and the anticipated demands.”
The LIHEAP program provides money that can be distributed to low-income people as a one-time grant based on income, family size and the fuel that is used. Funds also can be used 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.
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.
LIHEAP is administered by the Department of Social Services, while local community action agencies take the available funds and distribute them to needy Missourians.
Tammy Walker, community development director for the Economic Security Corp., a community action agency in Joplin, said the agency’s utility assistance program is already under way.
“We support the lieutenant governor’s call for a special session,” she said. “We see a need right now.”
This past year, about 500 people have sought utility assistance from the ESC. That’s an increase of about 20 percent, Walker said.
Rep. Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said he would be open to a special session and willing to support the measure if Blunt and Kinder deemed it necessary.
“That may rise to the level of (a special session),” he said of the need to extend assistance before winter begins in earnest.
The GOP has already selected Richard as the next House speaker, provided the Republicans retain their majority next week.
Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, said he would he support the Kinder’s request if the leadership determines it is needed. He said he did not think many would quarrel over the cost of a special session.
“If we can do something to help our senior citizens, I think it is money well spent,” Wilson said.
The Associated Press and Globe staff writer Derek Spellman contributed to this report.
Last year
During their most recent session, Missouri lawmakers expanded the utility assistance programs and increased by $200 how much families can get if they risk having their utilities cut off. The Legislature also removed a limit on how much can be included in the state budget for the program and required the Social Services Department to use state funds to help low-income people prepare their homes for winter.
Source: The Associated Press
