HEAP AUDIO PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT AVAILABLE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2006

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson today announced the availability of a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for the Ohio Department of Development’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The PSA can be downloaded for radio from the Ohio Department of Development’s website at http://www.odod.state.oh.us/ or http://www.odod.state.oh.us/audio/2006-01-06-Johnson-winter.mp3.

“The cold winter months are now upon us and with the rising cost of home heating many are feeling the pinch,” Johnson said. “We want everyone to know there is a program that may assist them with heating costs, the HEAP program will help benefit those most in need this winter.”

Qualifying for HEAP depends on the size of the household and the total gross household income, which must be at or below 175 percent of the 2005-2006 federal poverty guidelines listed below.

175 Percent Federal Poverty Guidelines:

Size of household Total annual household income

1 up to $16,747.50
2 $22,452.50
3 $28,157.50
4 $33,862.50
5 $39,567.50
6 $45,272.50
7 $50,977.50
8 $56,682.50

For households with more than 8 members, add $5,705 per member

HEAP is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Community Development Division and provides assistance to eligible households during the winter, when home heating costs are the most expensive.