Obama and Republicans to cut heat subsidies for poor
[Austerity measures begin in the US. As usual, these cuts are aimed at the citizens who are least capable of defending themselves. Meanwhile, America’s ruinously expensive land wars in Asia drag on.] By Charles Riley, staff reporter
February 12, 2011: 8:10 AM ET NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — President Obama’s 2012 budget will propose cutting $2.5 billion from a program that helps low-income people cope with high energy costs in the cold of winter and heat of summer, according to a source familiar with the budget process. The reduction is steep, and might impact millions of families. In 2010, the program received $5.1 billion in federal funds, which were then distributed to states that have both low average incomes and high energy costs. The administration is quick to point out that the reduction will bring the funding down to $2.57 billion, which is exactly the same as the fiscal year 2008 level. Before becoming law, the proposal will have to survive a marathon budget process, but Republicans are also calling for cuts to the program, a fact that increases the likelihood of passage. It’s hard to say exactly how many people would be affected by the reduction in funding. Before the White House plans, first reported by National Journal, leaked to the press, a coalition of Democrats on Capitol Hill led by Rep. Ed Markey of Massachusetts defended the program. The program currently only serves one of every five eligible people, and a reduction would have dire consequences for those already receiving benefits, Markey said. “Returning to 2008 funding levels … would mean forcing 3.1 million families nationwide to return to deciding between heating and eating,” Markey said. In Massachusetts, Markey said the program will help 250,000 residents this year. The state received $175 million in 2010. …
