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Debate on how to pay for heating aid continues

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-996259.mp3

LANSING, MI –

At the state Capitol, House and Senate leaders say they're getting closer, but still don't have an agreement on how to help low-income families with their winter utility bills. As we hear from Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta, lawmakers continue to negotiate as the Legislature's winter break fast approaches.

The Legislature's winter break begins next week. Michigan's lost its money to help many thousands of families - most of them households with children - because of a court case and federal budget cuts. House Republicans say there are still leftover federal welfare dollars to fund the program. Governor Rick Snyder and Senate Republicans say it would be wiser to save that money, and instead pay for heating assistance with a small added fee to utility bills.

State Senator Mike Nofs says, either way, he expects the Legislature to settle the question before the winter break.

"We all hit the same objective, keep the program going and make sure people don't freeze to death this winter," he says.

State officials says welfare agencies have enough money in hand to ensure families don't go cold in December or January.

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