WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Edward M. Kennedy and John F. Kerry today announced that the Massachusetts low-income households will receive $213 million in fuel aid as the state’s share of $5.1 billion appropriated by Congress for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for fiscal year 2009 earlier this month. The White House is releasing the funds today.

Melissa Wagoner, spokeswoman for Senator Edward M. Kennedy said, “The Senator is very pleased that these funds are being made available now for thousands of our citizens who will be struggling to pay their heating bills as winter fast approaches. No family should have to make impossible choices between heating their home or putting food on the table or taking a sick child to the doctor. These funds will ease that burden.”

“This is welcome news for thousands of families in our state who have been struggling to make ends meet because of skyrocketing home energy prices,” said Senator Kerry. “With winter quickly approaching, families can rest assured that much-needed help is on its way.”

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