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FIXING THE ROOF WHILE THE SUN IS SHINING
As summer soon officially arrives, bringing those hazy, hot and humid days, it’s not too early to start to think about winter. That’s right, before we all know it the summer will end and the cold weather will be upon us. I don’t mention this to make you unhappy. Instead, there is a looming crisis that will hit this winter and if we prepare for it, its worst features and most severe effects can be averted. The looming crisis is the effect of the incredible increase in home heating oil costs for New Yorkers. Since last year, the cost of home heating oil has nearly doubled, rising from roughly $2.50 per gallon in the Spring of 2007 to as much as $4.50 right now – and that number is likely to keep going up. Not surprisingly, those with the lowest incomes will feel the effects the most. The huge increase in home heating costs will result in a crushing financial burden for those already reeling from gas and food price increases. The poor, single parents, and those on fixed incomes will have a terrible time making necessary payments to stay warm. Some may literally freeze to death in their homes from the cold. Some will turn to dangerous heating sources—like kerosene heaters—with disastrous results. In addition, others who have not needed help in the past will find themselves in dire straits. This winter could be really bad for many New Yorkers. New York State – and the nation – has programs that are supposed to subsidize the cost of heat. But these programs are underfunded and will probably fail to meet the growing need this winter – unless something is done. That’s why we should start thinking about it right now. The old saying goes “Fix the roof while the sun is shining.” In this case, the Governor and the Legislature should begin mobilizing the government to get ready for the winter. It takes months to move government in a new direction, and with only six months until winter, Albany must start taking action immediately. Here are a few ideas: 1) Dramatically increase funding for energy subsidies. By the time the winter rolls around, it may well be that heating costs have doubled from last year. In order to merely meet last year’s needs, the state will have to double its spending. Given that the need is likely to be greater, the increase in spending on heating subsidies should more than double. 2) Raise the income ceiling for those eligible for assistance. Currently, heating subsidies are available to the poor and those of modest means. Given the incredible increase in energy and food costs, many middle-income New Yorkers are going to need help. They should get it. 3) Expand conservation programs. If the state is going to do more to help pay for the heating costs of needy New Yorkers, the state has a responsibility to make sure that homes are weatherized. The more successful the state is in creating conservation programs, the less money that will be wasted on energy costs that could be avoided, and the less greenhouse gases emitted. Where should the money come from to pay for this expansion? My guess is that New Yorkers would be fine with state lawmakers hitting up the oil companies to foot the bills. After all, the rapid increase in oil prices has dramatically fattened the profits of the oil industry. Since they are so flush with cash, they should want to help pay for programs to keep the nation warm this winter. Even if they don’t, someone will have to pay for the increase and I’d put them first on the list. No New Yorker should have to face the prospect of possibly freezing in their homes this winter. The enormous increase in heating costs will lead to terrible suffering for hundreds of thousands of New York families. It’s a huge problem. And it’s government’s job to solve it. It’s time to start moving, fix the roof – as well as the windows and doors – while the sun is still shining. That’s all for now. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Capitol and will talk to you again next week.
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