Vermont adds $15.3M for winter heating aid

Vermont households heating with oil or kerosene will receive more state help this winter under a $15.3 million package approved Friday morning by Gov. Phil Scott and Democratic legislative leaders. The money is directed at the 15,000 Vermonters enrolled in the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP.

Miranda Gray, deputy commissioner of the Economic Services Division, told lawmakers that the war in Iran pushed the price of heating oil up 76% over the past year. Kerosene rose 61% during the same period. The Department for Children and Families will put most of the new money toward the 8,000 households that burn No. 2 heating oil and kerosene. The package also carries $2.6 million for Crisis Fuel Assistance, a separate program; Gray said that money will double the number of households eligible for emergency tank fills.

The state's federal LIHEAP block grant is not growing to meet those costs. Vermont is set to receive $22.7 million in federal funds this fiscal year, matching last year's amount. The supplemental money will let the state cover 62% of home-heating costs this winter for oil and kerosene households, holding their out-of-pocket share at last winter's level. Last winter, 14,872 households collected an average benefit of $1,210, which the Department for Children and Families said covered 45% of their heating bills. Prices for propane and other fuels have not climbed as sharply.

Scott had asked lawmakers last month to wait until the full Legislature reconvenes in January before acting. He said Friday he was convinced "that it would be much easier to do now," adding that the aid would ease the anxiety Vermonters feel about getting through winter.

The $15.3 million comes out of a $50 million reserve created in last year's state budget to offset federal funding cuts. Scott and lawmakers drew roughly $7 million from that reserve last year to pay for one month of food assistance during the federal government shutdown.

Sen. Peter Welch said this week he is working with members of both parties in Congress on a supplemental LIHEAP appropriation, and that he would redirect such funds into the state reserve if it passes. Welch tied its prospects to the midterm elections: "I think the elections will make a difference, because it's going to be an opportunity for the American people to give a referendum on Donald Trump."