HELPING HOMEOWNERS TO STAY WARMER THIS WINTER

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 6 – State Sen. Connie Williams outlined plans for a state sales tax holiday on certain energy efficient appliances during a capitol news conference called to discuss the importance of home weatherization.

 “Pennsylvanians are going to face increased prices to heat their homes this winter, but there are things that they can do to save money on their utility bills, while keeping their homes warmer,” Williams said. “I urge people to think green to save green. Consider purchasing energy-efficient products, such as compact fluorescent bulbs. Or consumers can take steps to keep the heat from escaping their homes by installing more insulation, caulking around windows, and replacing weather strips on doors.”

 Williams’ legislation (S.B. 266) would give consumers two weeklong holidays from sales tax on the retail sale of certain energy efficient appliances. It also would include consumer tax savings on home weatherization supplies, such as exterior windows, exterior doors, storm windows, insulation, home wrap and furnaces.

 Appliances that would qualify under the proposal include clothes washers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, room air conditioners, ceiling fans, programmable thermostats, ventilating fans, compact fluorescent bulbs and residential light fixtures.

 The Senate Finance Committee in June passed the legislation out of committee. The governor also detailed the plan as part of his Stay Warm Pennsylvania program unveiled in October.

 The governor’s program calls for the state for the first time to authorize $15 million in state dollars for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to augment federal dollars that may be held to the 1982 level of $1.8 billion, and $3 million in state funds for the Homeowner Mortgage Assistance Program. Additionally, the governor called on energy companies and utilities to make extra investments to help low-income consumers to meet energy bills.

 Last week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill (H.B. 1539) that would use $24 million from Utility Gross Receipts tax proceeds to supplement the home heating aid program. The bill is currently in the House of Representatives.

 The capitol news conference was hosted by Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Phila.) to talk about two legislative proposals that would:

• provide a state income tax credit of up to $2,500 for any Pennsylvanian who takes steps to weatherize their home; and

• assess utility and heating fuel supply companies annually to raise $25 million to supplement federal LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) dollars that are used to weatherize the homes of low-income families. Currently, the state receives $30.3 million in federal low-income weatherization dollars.