By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-995519.mp3
LANSING, MI –
State House Republicans have introduced a plan to help make sure low-income homes can keep the heat on through the coming winter. As Michigan Public Radio's Laura Weber reports, the plan is a short-term solution to a home-heating-assistance crisis in the state.
The proposal would tap into one-time federal funds to help pay for home heating assistance for the coming winter.
Republican state Representative Ken Horn says lawmakers still need to work on a long-term solution. But he says this will help with the immediate problem.
"It's just a matter of setting priority now," he says. "And we think the need is this year. It's going to be a very cold winter."
Home heating aid was dealt a double blow this year. The state's home heating funds were frozen because of a Michigan Court of Appeals decision, and the federal government cut back its home-heating payments to states. The Legislature has just a couple more weeks to approve a home-heating aid plan before lawmakers leave for a winter break.