Maine Republican leaders are calling for a special legislative session in hopes of increasing funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Senate Minority Leader Carol Weston, R-Montville, and House Minority Leader Josh Tardy, R-Newport, hope to add $10 million to the fund. The money would have otherwise gone to Maine’s Budget Stabilization Fund which currently has $160 million.

“There is an immediate need for action,” said Senate Minority Leader Carol Weston, R-Montville, in a release.  “We have funds available to ease the energy burden facing our low income neighbors.  Now we are calling on the Governor and the Democratic leadership to work with us to make sure Maine families stay warm this winter.”

They have suggested August 20 for the special session. The Maine Senate is already in that day for appointment confirmations. LIHEAP will be the only focus of the hearing.

“We are not interested in subjecting the health and safety of our low income residents to politics and backroom deals by bringing any other issues into the mix,” Tardy said in the release.  “We can act on long term energy policies when the Legislature is back in session in January.  Other than a few political appointments, August 20th should be reserved for adding $10 million to our LIHEAP fund.”