Gov. Warner picking up where Kerry left off on fuel assistance

[beachmom]

I just found this article in my paper. Unfortunately, the bill Kerry co-sponsored for additional fuel assistance failed, even when he dropped his name from the top of the bill. But I found it heartening that at least in Virginia, Warner is coming in to help:

http://www.epilot2.hamptonroads.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=VirginianPilotA&BaseHref=VirginianPilot/2005/12/01&EntityId=Ar01504&ViewMode=HTML

Warner to free millions so Va.’s poor won’t freeze
BY CHRISTINA NUCKOLS THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT


RICHMOND — With more than 125,000 Virginians asking for help with their heating bills this winter, Gov. Mark R. Warner said Wednesday the state will chip in $17.9 million to protect low-income families from being left in the cold.
Warner and 17 other governors tried unsuccessfully to secure more money from Congress this year for a federal fuel assistance program in response to escalating energy costs.
“If we simply wait for the federal government and Congress to act, we may be sitting here at the end of the winter with still no action,” Warner said.
The state expects to receive $32.5 million for the program this winter, but local social services departments across Virginia report a 13 percent increase in requests for aid.

Snip

The additional state aid will enable a larger number of households to receive fuel assistance and also will increase the subsidies available. However, Warner said recipients could still end up paying more out of pocket for their heating bills.
According to federal forecasts, natural gas prices will increase by an average of 48 percent this winter. Heating oil costs are expected to rise by nearly a third, and propane will cost consumers an average of 30 percent more.
“There are plenty of unmet needs and there will continue to be unmet needs but this is a welcome initiative that will affect people’s lives,” said Steven L. Myers, executive director of the Virginia Poverty Law Center.

It looks to me that Kerry and Warner were working together on this one. Come on, guys -- let's just think of Warner as Kerry's VP from now on. True, he's running for president in '08, and is therefore, a rival, but I just can't dislike Warner when he keeps doing great things like this!

[TayTay]

1. Warner is a good Dem and was an excellent Gov

from everything I heard. Some people are better as executives, which I guess, is why Gov. Warner doesn't want to go for Allen's seat. Warner has been extrremely effective at balancing the budget and getting services to residents. Everyone from VA who has written on the boards has nothing but good things to say about him.

I think you're on to something with that teaming.