Bush Budget Puts Weatherization in the Cold

I seriously doubt that "dubbya" has ever felt the cold - except the kind one might feel while skiing downhill.

I am a former recipient and am now a manager of a Weatherization Assistance Program in Utah. As such I can say that I personally believe this was one of 3 programs initiated by our federal government in the 60's that has played a vital role in helping me to bring myself and my family out of poverty and to a point where I am able to offer others the same opportunity for a hand up.

One thing many people are not aware of is that it is a "one-time-per-address" program. Thus, people are not going to return year after year for another dip into the federal pot of money for more help. The work done on homes is intended to last for many years, and paired with some conservation education provided to the recipients should help them to reduce their annual energy usage by as much as 30%. This is significant savings in a household where an average family of four is living on less than $2208.00 per month. Just think of all the "extras" the family could then afford - rent, clothing, even food!

I pray there will be enough public outcry against cutting this program that our elected officials will defeat such an irrational attempt to move the money into future "possibilities". Yes, we need to do something about our environment. Yes, we need to find and develop renewable sources of energy. But what we do NOT need to do is freeze, roast or starve the disabled, elderly and low-income population of our country who are living in the here and now.

Laura Reilly of UT 12:16PM February 23, 2008