For Immediate Release
February 11, 2008
Contact: Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Rhoades Measure Advances in the Senate; Creates the Pennsylvania Home Heating Rebate Program for Senior Citizens

HARRISBURG— Today, the Senate Finance committee unanimously approved legislation to create the Home Heating Rebate Program so that seniors citizens can receive additional state assistance to offset the skyrocketing costs of home heating fuel, according to Senator James J. Rhoades ( R-29), prime sponsor of the landmark legislation. 

“More and more senior citizens are struggling to cope with the high costs of the winter season with no immediate relief in sight,” said Rhoades.  “My legislation will give them the much-needed assistance they need.”

Senate Bill 1248 will provide senior citizens who are eligible for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program with home heating fuel rebates. Senior citizens would apply for a rebate to be used to offset the cost of home heating fuels. The amount of the rebates will be based on the availability of unused funds remaining in the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program.

According to Rhoades, over $80 million is available right now. 

“These funds are dedicated for our senior citizens. So, we should use these funds for something that many of our senior citizens desperately need: immediate help with paying their home heating bills,” said Rhoades.

In 2006, The General Assembly doubled the size of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program, by increasing payments $131 million and adding 281,000 new participants. However, over $80 million remains in the PTRR program that were not expended on claims this year. Rhoades’ legislation simply uses any remaining funds for the home heating rebate program.

Previously, Rhoades introduced legislation that would mandate an immediate price freeze on all light fuel oil, which includes oil used for domestic heating. The restriction would expire at the end of the winter season on April 1, 2008.  In addition, civil fines of up to $1,000 maybe imposed for each violation of the law.

“The price of oil is hitting record highs and energy prices are continuing to rise,” said Rhoades. “That some of our senior citizens may not be able to afford to heat their homes is just wrong. This is a life or death issue and we need to do something about it.”

Senate Bill 1248 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.