Federal cuts to affect heating assistance applicants - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Federal cuts to affect heating assistance applicants

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

As the temperature drops Friday night, a lot of south Georgians who rely on assistance to pay their heating bills may be surprised to learn they won't get money this winter.

Because of federal budget cuts will only get $50,000,000 for the program compared to $62,000,000 last year.

The Southwest Georgia Community Action Council is getting a little more than a million dollars to serve people in 14 counties.

Only 850 families in Dougherty County will get help. That's about half as many as usual. 

"We help more than anybody else in town, so the bulk of the city comes to us for assistance so this will be devastating," said Ben Jackson, Community Services Manager.

Congress could set aside more money for the program if they are able to reach a federal budget agreement.

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