STATEHOUSE –State Representative Tim Neese (R-Elkhart) supported House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1141 which establishes the Mortgage Foreclosure Multistate Settlement Fund and designates money for a state home energy assistance program. The bill establishes the Mortgage Foreclosure Multistate Settlement Fund to distribute the estimated $46.8M received by the state related to litigation concerning mortgage foreclosure activities. The funds are to be used for foreclosure relief and housing programs, including housing counseling, legal assistance, foreclosure prevention hotlines. “Hoosier families facing foreclosures will see aid through this legislation,” said Rep. Neese. “Foreclosures are never easy for families to go through and this legislation eases that process and offers some relief.” The bill also specifies that the same amount of money that is collected from the repeal of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) sales tax is to be transferred to LIHEAP for home owner energy assistance. This amount is predicted to range from $3.7M to $4.4M annually. “One of the barriers to adequate housing for those in the low income bracket is the high cost of utilities,” said Rep. Neese. “This bill provides funds to help pay utility bills for those struggling Hoosiers. Supported by both sides of the aisle, this legislation provides some funding for those who need it.” Since the early 1980s, the federal government has annually appropriated funds to states to provide energy assistance to low-income families. Indiana’s energy assistance programs are primarily funded through the federal LIHEAP block grant. The state’s energy assistance program provides grants for winter heating assistance and summer cooling assistance. Governor Daniels recently signed HEA 1141 into law. For further information regarding foreclosure and energy assistant programs contact the Indiana Housing Community Development Authority at 1-800-872-0371. Rep. Tim Neese represents District 48 which includes parts of Elkhart County and parts of St. Joseph County. Rep. Neese is the Chairman of the Local Government Committee, and a member of the Utilities and Energy Committee, Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation. |
