Gilchrest called on the President earlier in the month to release funds to Maryland after several Northeast states received money while Maryland did not. I am glad that the President finally recognized that Maryland's residents were suffering just as much as folks from other states. The program provides heating and cooling assistance to low-income households, including working poor, disabled persons, elderly and families with young children around the country.
States are in charge of developing and administering the programs on local levels.
Given the recent storms and the unusually cold temperatures coupled with the dramatic rise in heating prices, many people are facing truly tough choices. Gilchrest noted that he is also working with his colleagues in Congress to better understand what is causing the spike in oil prices and look for ways to correct the problem. From truck drivers to families heating their homes, everybody is feeling the pinch.