ALBANY (AP) New York's senators say federal authorities are releasing more than $326 million to help low-income residents of the state pay their heating bills this winter.
U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say they requested funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that many seniors and New Yorkers with moderate incomes depend on.
Schumer says having the funds available now, before the colder weather comes, is critical.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding overall declined from $4.7 billion in 2011 to about $3 billion in the current fiscal year.