The legislature met on February 14 to pass an emergency bill providing funding to several programs that provide heating assistance to Connecticut residents.

SB 111 includes $13.5 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and $3.5 million for Operational Fuel, Incorporated supplemental benefits. The $17 million will come from funding allocated to Connecticut from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), meaning the spending will not affect the state’s spending cap, but will result in fewer ARPA dollars being available to fund other initiatives later in the session.

As an emergency-certified bill, SB 111 was brought immediately to the chambers for a vote, bypassing a public hearing and an up or down vote in committee.

In a press conference held before the start of the session, legislative leaders from both parties expressed support for the bill and frustration with the federal government, which has historically provided funding for LIHEAP, which is a federally-funded block grant program. The maximum benefit available through LIHEAP increased to $4,800 during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since decreased to $1,300.

Rep. Jillian Gilchrist, D-West Hartford, joined Democratic party leadership at their press conference and stated the state has an “obligation to ensure Connecticut residents remain warm.” She noted that while federal funding is down from previous years, applications for heating assistance have increased and a number of individuals have already run out of benefits.

Gilchrist stated that as of January 13, the programs had received over 80,000 applications and over 65,000 had been approved, an increase from the previous year. She also said that while there is hope the federal government will address the programs next year, the state might want to look at putting funding for heating assistance in next year’s budget.

The bill will provide funding to individuals whose benefits have been exhausted, not those who are still waiting to have applications approved.

Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, noted that the legislature is addressing funding for heating assistance now, rather than last November, because there was hope then that the federal government would reach a budget deal, including funding for LIHEAP. That did not happen, which is why the state is addressing the issue now.

In a separate press conference held by Republican party leadership, House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, R-Durham, stated that the LIHEAP funding would have broad Republican support. He added that it’s an issue the caucus has cared about “since day one” and that they believe the benefit should never have been reduced. Candelora echoed comments made during the Democratic press conference, noting the precedence in allocating state funds to LIHEAP and that the federal government should put more funding into the program in the future.

Sen. Martin Lesser, D-Middletown, rose to move for the bill’s passage in the Senate.

Remarks made in the legislative chambers prior to votes on the bill’s passage hit on similar points, noting the decrease in funding comes at a time of increased demand, and hoping the federal government will increase funding in the future.

“We don’t have more time to wait, with the need out there, with families that are suffering and struggling and trying to stay warm. I know this bill will make a difference.” Lesser said.

The Senate voted 35-0 to approve the bill.

In the House of Representatives, Gilchrist rose to move for passage.

“As we know going into the winter months, demand has increased and federal funding has decreased. And so we are here today to ensure Connecticut residents can remain warm through April.” Gilchrist said.

The House voted 147-0 to approve the bill, which will now go to Gov. Ned Lamont for signature.

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