| December 2, 2005
Olympia…State Senate Republican
Caucus Chair Jim Honeyford expressed concern today over Gov. Gregoire’s
comments during a national radio address over the weekend. Gregoire’s
remarks, which followed President Bush’s weekly address, contained the
following segment:
“As a nation blessed with so many gifts, it is
fitting that we also assist those among us who are in need. With record
high energy prices, Democratic Governors across the country are helping
those who can’t afford to heat their homes. In Washington State, I have
asked legislators for additional state funding for low-income home
energy assistance to keep our neighbors warm. In New Mexico,
Governor Richardson called a special legislative session to help
citizens deal with high energy costs, and they’re now receiving rebate
checks to help cover rising energy costs.”
Honeyford, R-Sunnyside, noted that while it’s true
Gregoire has joined Senate Republicans in calling for additional funding for
low-income energy assistance, the Legislature would need to approve such a
move. Gregoire has refused to call a special session for that purpose,
choosing instead to wait until winter is either well underway or nearly over
to address the problem.
“Governor Gregoire applauded the governor of New Mexico for calling a
special session to help that state’s ratepayers with the high costs of
energy,” Honeyford said. “Senate Republicans have been asking for a special
session in Washington to save ratepayers millions this winter, and the
governor has ignored our requests. Why are the citizens of New Mexico
important enough to warrant a special session, but the citizens of
Washington are not?”
Since Sept. 19, Senate Republicans have publicly asked the
governor nearly half a dozen times for a special session to cap home heating
taxes and increase funding for the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance
Program. The governor has not formally responded to those requests.
According to the Department of Community, Trade and
Economic Development, Washington only has enough Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to provide assistance to roughly 20
percent of the state’s eligible population.
This week temperatures across the state dipped to below
freezing, resulting in a rare Western Washington snowfall. Temperatures are
expected to remain low for the immediate future.
“The governor agrees that we must increase funding to help
our low-income citizens pay their winter heating bills,” said Honeyford.
“That’s good. But if we wait another five weeks to act, then take several
weeks to sign the bill into law, we will miss our opportunity to provide
help during the coldest winter months. There is still time to hold a special
session. Governor Gregoire should follow the lead of her colleague from New
Mexico and move to help people now, when it’s needed most.”
-30-
For more information contact Rebecca Japhet
(360) 786-7516 or
japhet.rebecca@leg.wa.gov
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