STATEHOUSE—As Vice-Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) joined her colleagues for a hearing on a bill to help low income families with energy costs. House Bill (HB) 1141 unanimously passed the Ways and Means Committee and will now be considered by the full House. This legislation restores the tax exemption for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Fiscal Year 2012. LIHEAP helps disadvantaged households pay their heating bills in the winter months and distributes electric fans during summer heat waves. “When temperatures dip below zero in these cold winter months, having enough money to pay the utility bill can mean the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Crouch. “To help avoid shutting off home heating service, this program exempts families in need from having to pay the state sales tax on energy consumption.” While Indiana’s tax exemption for LIHEAP expired in 2009, HB 1141 will reestablish the credit for an additional year. Federal appropriations also fund the program, which helped nearly 200,000 Hoosiers in 2010. A family of four must have an annual household income of $33,075 or less to qualify and the benefit applies only to energy costs related to the heating or cooling of residences. “The purpose of this bill is to help Hoosiers stay warm in their homes. No one should have to suffer because they couldn’t afford a sales tax.” -30- |
