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ST. LOUIS NEWS TODAY - Sunday, February 4, 2007
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House Measure to Help Low-Income Missourians with Heating Costs
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), February 4, 2007 - For the second year in a row, low-income Missourians are poised to receive additional state assistance with heating costs.
By a vote of 155-0, members of the House has passed an emergency supplemental bill, House Bill 15, to commit $6.3 million from state general revenue funds for the Utilicare Stabilization Fund. "Utilicare" supplements the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
"As utility rates go up, the elderly and disabled can have issues [with paying their utility bills]," said bill sponsor, Representative Allen Icet, R-Wildwood. "This is our state's effort to help them in that regard."
Since 2001 and until the 2006 legislative session, Utilicare went unfunded. With a positive budget outlook last year, legislators were able to set aside $6.1 million for the program. The increase to $6.3 million is based on a formula written in Missouri state law which caps increases based on an annual inflationary measure. The amount appropriated this year reflects the maximum amount allowable by state statute.
The state moneys for Utilicare are not spent until the federal LIHEAP monies are exhausted. In addition, ten percent of Utilicare funds are set aside to help low-income Missourians with weatherproofing their homes.
House Bill 15 which now goes to the Senate is expected to there gain quick support and has the support of Missouri's governor, Matt Blunt.
Blunt Invites Blagojevich to St. Louis for Dialogue on Issues of Regional Concern
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com), February 4, 2007 - Following a Governor's Summit Thursday with Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt invited Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to St. Louis for a discussion on issues of regional concern, including the Mississippi River Bridge.
"By working together in an open and constructive manner we can address issues and identify solutions that will benefit both states," Gov. Blunt said. "It is my hope that this meeting will serve as a launching point for ongoing discussions that will lead to greater economic opportunities and job creation for the St. Louis metropolitan area."
In a letter, Blunt invited Blagojevich to a meeting in St. Louis with business and community leaders from the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, the Regional Business Council and Civic Progress. Blunt proposes opening a new dialogue on potential solutions for a new Mississippi River Bridge and efforts to make the bi-state region a leader in the research and production of renewable fuels.
Blunt stated that he hopes the meeting will benefit both states as the two governors work together to capitalize on the bi-state regions' assets and attract more quality, family supporting jobs to the area.
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