Kerry Still Plugging for Energy Assistance for the Poor

[kerrygoddess]

Kerry Still Plugging for Energy Assistance for the Poor
October 10th, 2005

Earlier today, I posted a thread about the defeat of the Kerry Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Amendment last Thursday. AP News is reporting that John Kerry is not letting this rest. It’s unthinkable to me, that Republicans do not see the need to increase funds for energy program to help the poor pay their heating bills when heating bills are expected to increase about 47 % this winter.

Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman said last week that additional money was “not on the agenda.” However, department spokesman Craig Stevens said Monday, “I think it’s an option on the table.”

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., says the program’s impact is diminishing because funding has not kept up with rising fuel prices.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=803

[TayTay]

1. The update on your site is so sad.

It is simply unbelievable that Repubs would block this necessary bill. (Gawd I hope they get their asses handed to them next year.) I wonder if they don't want to give KErry a victory or if their new found frugalness in the light of the bill for Katrina cleanup is what is motivating them.

Kerry has always been rather innovative in getting things through. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get some strong Rethug support on this from maybe a Sen. Snowe or even, Gawd help us, Santorum (who did vote for allowing the bill to go on the Defense Appropriations Act and who needs things to take back to PA.)

I really thought the problem with this bill was not just in the Senate. The House, as we saw last week, has been taking their Rethug Meanie Wheaties and is hell-bent against anything that increases spending for social programs. (At all. No exceptions.) They are doing this weird schizo where they are trying to be more conservative than * and are hard-asses when it comes to social spending, in the wake of Katrina. They are placing their bets that their core constituency will come out and retain them in Congress next year if they just show they are tough in the face of Dem demands for more spending. I really hate these people.

This is a core issue for Kerry. I don't see him stopping, and I bet there will be some innovative try to get past the Rethugs who are blocking this. (Probably the nut-balls like Inoufe and Coburn and such. Billions for the oil & gas cos, but nothing for real people in financial pain. Sigh!)

[wisteria]

2. The Republican's reaction to this bill is just astounding to me.

The combination of a very cold winter and extremely high heating costs could be a receipt for another American tragedy. What happens to the elderly, the poor and the sick who can't pay their heating bills? What about the poor children? How many will freeze to death keeping their thermostats down to avoid the high costs. What of the fires generated from kerosene heaters used for warmth.Many more people this year will not be able to pay these high costs. Some states may have regulations in place that do not allow the utilities to shut off existing heating service during cold spells, but not all states have such regulations. If people are unable to pay the high heating bills in the winter, how do they expect them to pay for the accumulated charges in the spring? Many will lose heating service in the spring and not be able to have it turned on again the following winter. How can Republicans just ignore those in need and not al east extend them some help. No one should freeze to death in America.

[kerrygoddess]

4. Considering it had bi-prtisan support of 28 Governors...

It's despicable.

[kerrygoddess]

3. May not come up again

Until the the Labor HHS Approps Bill, I am told. It sucks!

[TayTay]

6. This has to be remembered for the '06 elections.

We have to remember which party fought for to help people caught in extraordinary circumstances. This is unconscionable and morally wrong.

When does the HHS bill come up? Nov?

[karynnj]

5. Totally frustrating! Long NYT article on LIHEAP, no mention of Kerry

Does mention Romney prominently. Nice liberal media.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/11/national/11fuel.html

[TayTay]

7. Romney must have relatives at the Times.

He couldn't care less about whether or not the poor have help paying their bills. Romney did some big photo ops after Katrina when some evacuees where brought to MA. Some local advocates for the poor brough up Romney's hypocrisy in showing concern for the poor of this storm and ignoring the poor of MA since his election. He replied that he didn't think that putting money into social programs was a way to help the poor.

All hat, not cattle.

PS: Congress passed a stop-gap funding bill because they couldn't pass the FY2006 budget on time. (9/30/05) So, the stop-gap funding ends on Nov 18th. Se, the Senate may wait until then to allow the new LIHEAP amendment to come up. Sigh! Weasel Congress indeed.