$58 million dollars to help low-income families
TRAVERSE CITY -- Thousands of Michigan families struggling to pay their heating bills will be able to get some assistance.
Governor Rick Snyder signed bills that create a $58 million fund to replace the Low Income and Energy Efficiency Fund. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled this summer that the program was unconstitutional.
The replacement plan calls for refunding or rebating to customers about $48 million that's been collected in escrow since the ruling. The charge on utility bills resumes until $48 million is raised for the new Vulnerable Household Warmth Fund.
An additional $10 million will come from the state's general fund.
The money is expected to provide heating assistance to 95,000 low-income Michigan residents.
To receive help from the new fund you have to meet certain criteria. A one person family must make less that $22,911 a year, a two person family must make less than $29,961, a three person family must make less than $37,010, and a four person family must make less than $44,060 a year.
First priority for receiving funds are given to households that have a child, a senior citizen, or disabled person.
The Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency in Traverse City will receive a portion of the money to distribute to families in the area. The organization has been getting almost 50 calls a day from people asking for assistance with their heat bills, but hasn't been able to help anyone with metered fuel.
Kris Brady, Community Services Director says, "Because of what’s been held up in courts we don't have help for people natural gas and electricity."
Now that the bill has been signed they'll be able to help hundreds of more low-income families.
