After two years of quick-fix solutions, the Legislature passed a new long-term plan to provide heating assistance for low-income families.
The recently approved program adds a new surcharge on utility users — up to $1 per month. But that small fee-hike would result in up to $50 million the Michigan Public Service Commission would then distribute to various nonprofits in the form of grants, said Judy Palnau, a commission spokeswoman.
This plan comes after an earlier 11-year program was ruled unconstitutional and consequently struck down in 2011, with temporary, seasonal solutions offered until now.
Palnau said the commission welcomes the new program.
And Gov. Rick Snyder called it “an important bill that will provide a long-term solution to help Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens.”
However, the Michigan League for Public Policy, an advocacy group that researches issues related to poverty, has been critical.
Judy Putnam, the league’s communications director, said that while the group sees the program as something that will indeed help low income families, she noted that the first program — the Low Income Energy Efficiency Fund — offered $89.9 million, which included money for energy efficiency items such as weatherizing leaky windows.
The new program would not include state funding for weatherization, but would require certain nonprofits to pick up that tab.
“People have been struggling mightily to pay their bills,” Putnam said. “And (this program) is great, but people are still struggling. I know that $90 million is better than $50 million.”
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