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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Maximum LIHEAP crisis benefit increased Due to the receipt of more than $44 million in new federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency funding, the maximum crisis grant has been increased from $300 to $500. Crisis grants are authorized for families with heating emergencies, such as furnace repairs, unexpected fuel shortages or threat of utility service termination. Income limits for LIHEAP start at $15,315 for a one-person household, plus $5,220 for each additional person. If a family has already received $300 in crisis benefits, that family may also apply for an additional $200 to respond to another home heating emergency. In addition to the crisis grant increase, $6.6 million of the federal monies has been allocated to the Department of Community and Economic Development to expand home weatherization assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians. Individuals can apply through the Lancaster County Assistance Office, 832 Manor Street, P.O. Box 4967, Lancaster, 17604; you can reach the Office at 299-7411 regarding cash grants or 800-732-0018 regarding crisis grants. Help is also available by calling the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, or the TDD number at 1-800-451-5886 for hearing-impaired individuals. Online application for cash grants is possible at www.compass.state.pa.us. Aging information State and local agencies are gathering input on aging services and senior outreach activities. Every four years, the state Department of Aging must develop a state plan on aging, which helps structure the Department's priorities and set an aging agenda for the Commonwealth. A series of town hall meetings is being held to generate public input on developing new services and enhancing existing ones. Issues being addressed by the Department include public awareness of health care and long-term living options, enabling seniors to live in the setting of their choice, empowering them to stay active and healthy, and ensuring they are safe from abuse and neglect. Although the Lancaster County meeting is already past, you may still submit written comments to the Department of Aging, c/o the Division of Systems Planning and Consultation, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, 17101. The Lancaster County Office of Aging is also currently inviting input to better plan programs and deliver services for the next four years. Anyone who would like to participate can do so by completing the online survey at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/lanco_aging. Planning for life as a senior Pennsylvanian is very important, and there are a number of resources available on many topics; call the Lancaster County Office of Aging's Information and Referral Unit at 717-299-7979 or 1-800-801-3070 for more information. Dairy of Distinction application deadline approaching The deadline for Pennsylvania dairy farms to apply for this year's Dairy of Distinction award from the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program is April 14. All active dairies in the state, as well as in New York, New Jersey and Vermont can apply for the award, which honors clean, attractive dairy farms. The honor is based on the idea that well-maintained dairy farms enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and the dairy industry, thereby increasing milk sales. More information and application forms are available by contacting Michael O'Connor, 324 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, 814-863-3913, or by going online to dairyofdistinction.org. Our dairy industry is the economic driver for Pennsylvania agriculture, and it is very important that we continue to promote a positive image for the dairy industry and its contributions to the state. I encourage all dairy farms in the area to consider applying for the Dairy of Distinction honor.
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