Gas-cost help still available
11/27/2012The drop in natural gas prices has delivered welcome savings to many households. But as you noted in your Nov. 18 editorial “Fighting hunger,” the decrease in Ohio food stamp allowances of $23 a month will affect some of our most vulnerable families already dealing with fragile budgets.
However, this decrease — spurred by recent decreases in natural gas costs — will not reduce the amount or levels of assistance for those who need help with home heating bills.
Help is available for families earning as much as 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or approximately $46,100 annually for a family of four.
With approximately 37 percent of Lucas County households qualifying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and additional funds available, there is no reason for anyone to have natural gas service interrupted this winter. Additionally, eligible households that use HEAP assistance will help stretch household budgets even further.
For every customer, low natural gas prices should help keep home heating bills manageable this winter.
For those who need and qualify for assistance, help is available. Regardless of their economic situation, Columbia Gas pledges to work with all our customers to ensure service this winter.
CHRIS KOZAK
Manager Communications and Community Relations Columbia Gas of Ohio East Manhattan Street
Election, food aid oddly juxtaposed
After about $6 billion was spent on the presidential election, it seems odd that the first order of business our government has for 2013 is reducing food-stamp benefits.
ALAN KINE
4th Street
Everyone is our neighbor; be kind
Among my neighbors are people who ride public transportation in Perrysburg (“Perrysburg leaders assess failure of levy; Transit issue loses by thin margin,” Nov. 8).
People depend on public transportation to get to the senior center, work, and doctors’ appointments. Some riders are disabled, while others are not able to drive for physical or economic reasons.
The margin of defeat was small for the levy that would have funded an alternative transportation system after Perrysburg withdrew from the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority.
People should press city leaders for a solution to the transportation issue. The question is not “Who is my neighbor,” but “Who is not my neighbor?”
ELIZABETH PINKY EDENS
Perrysburg Township
Perrysburg voters taken to task
Shame on Perrysburg residents for voting down the 1.45-mill transportation levy. It would have helped people with disabilities.
Transportation is a necessity for everyone.
MARY LOU WILHELM
Monclova Township