* WARNING: THIS IS AN UNOFFICIAL, INTRODUCTORY COPY OF THE BILL.
THE OFFICIAL COPY CONSIDERED BY THE CITY COUNCIL IS THE FIRST READER COPY.
INTRODUCTORY*
CITY OF BALTIMORE
COUNCIL BILL R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Mitchell
A RESOLUTION ENTITLED
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION concerning
Title
Energy Assistance Program - Let's Add to the Fund
FOR the purpose of requesting that the City of Baltimore contribute funds to the Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income Maryland citizens pay their heating bills, minimize heating crises, and helps make energy costs more affordable for those who can least afford it.
Body
Recitals
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program is a program that is designed to provide assistance to low-income Maryland residents who may have trouble finding the funds to pay their electric and utility bills. Many residents of our City already have trouble finding money to pay the high costs of utilities, and with rate increases going into effect shortly, many more will surely be left without the means to pay for utilities. We can help.
Currently this program is federally funded by a grant through the Maryland State Department of Human Resources. Since many City residents already benefit from this program, we should provide some additional funding so that many more Baltimore City residents will be able to use the services that the program provides in the coming months. Utility increases are hard on everyone, but those who are able to pay their bills and are already beginning to struggle due to increases, may be able to use the program as well when rate increases go into effect. With the federal government funds, the Energy Assistance Program can do much good, but if we, as a City help out, many more of our citizens will feel less of a burden in the near future due to the high increases in energy costs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BALTIMORE, That this Body requests that the City of Baltimore contribute funds to the Energy Assistance Program, which helps low-income Maryland citizens pay their heating bills, minimize heating crises, and helps make energy costs more affordable for those who can least afford it.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor and the Mayor's Legislative Liaison to the Council.
dlr06-0837~intro/26Apr06
ccres/EnAssist:af