Senate Passes Senator Robbins' Heat On Act

SB 352 would ensure LIHEAP funds are properly allocated

With fuel costs at record levels, the Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) that would provide essential reforms to Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance, or LIHEAP program.

Senate Bill 352, known as the Home Energy Assistance in Time of Need, or HEAT ON Act, would make needed changes to maximize the benefits for eligible low-income households and ensure that funding is allocated in a timely and expedited fashion.

"With energy prices skyrocketing, it is imperative that all LIHEAP funds be appropriated expeditiously and responsibly to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who will be struggling this coming winter to pay their heating bills," Senator Robbins said.

Last year, state Auditor General Jack Wagner reported that a special performance audit found serious deficiencies in the Department of Public Welfare's administration of LIHEAP.

Specifically, Auditor General Wagner noted that inadequate policies and procedures, insufficient supervision, and inadequate oversight resulted in fraud and abuse in all six counties -- Philadelphia, Allegheny, Lancaster, Lehigh, Perry and York -- examined during the audit period of July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2006.

SB 352 provides for additional oversight that Auditor General Wagner deemed to be needed under the current system and directs the Department of Public Welfare to take appropriate action if it discovers any false, misleading or inaccurate statements by applicants, participating energy vendors or state employees.

Additionally, the legislation puts in place several accountability provisions to ensure that funding goes to those most in need. Specifically, the bill would:

Expand the LIHEAP program year from October 1 through April 30 of the following year. The current plan began on November 5, 2007 and closed on March 21, 2008 for both the cash and crisis components;
Require the Department of Public Welfare to verify a LIHEAP applicant's income with the Department of Revenue;
Require the Department of Public Welfare to ensure all households receiving assistance are provided "budget billing" by their energy suppliers;
Prohibits the Department of Welfare from discriminating in any aspect of the administration of the LIHEAP program on the basis of the heating fuel used;
Require an annual audit of the LIHEAP program;
And require the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a performance audit on the use of weatherization assistance program monies for fiscal years July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2008.

"With home heating oil running at almost $5 per gallon, more Pennsylvania households are looking at troubling financial times ahead and it is important that we maximize the efficiency, accountability and effectiveness of Pennsylvania's LIHEAP program," Senator Robbins said.

SB 352 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322