Budget Amendment ID: FY2013-S4-278-R1

Redraft ECO 278

Fuel Assistance Forward Funding

Ms. Clark and Messrs. Michael O. Moore and Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 118 the following section:-

"SECTION 118A.  Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the department of housing and community development may provide not more than $10,000,000 to eligible entities that administer the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program described in item 7004-2033 of section 2D to allow  such eligible entities to begin start-up operations of said program for the purposes of providing advanced funding no later than 30 days after the start of the fiscal year; provided, that the department and such eligible entities may expend a portion of these funds for approved administrative costs consistent with the current or prior year’s state plan submitted by the department in accordance with the federal program; provided further, that the department and such eligible entities may, after November 1, 2012, expend a portion of these funds to assist low-income elders, working families and other households with the purchase of heating oil, propane and natural gas and electricity and other primary or secondary heating sources; provided further, that funds expended for this purpose shall be transferred from the General Fund; and provided further, that such advanced funding shall be subject to federal reimbursement of funds described in said item 7004-2033 of said section 2D".