Resolve, To Suspend Certain Maine State Housing Authority Rules for Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program Grant Applications

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  many Maine residents have been affected by the national economic and energy crisis and are in need of fuel assistance from the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program, and every effort should be made to minimize the waiting period during the program's application process; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Maine State Housing Authority directed to suspend the personal interview requirement for Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program benefits. Resolved: That, until June 30, 2010, the Maine State Housing Authority shall require program administrators of the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program established pursuant to 42 United States Code, Section 8621 et seq., to waive, whenever reasonable, the personal interview requirement to shorten the application process for benefits under the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program, as contained in the Maine State Housing Authority Rule Chapter 24, section 4 (A)(8).

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This emergency resolve directs the Maine State Housing Authority to require, until June 30, 2010, program administrators of the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program to provide a waiver, whenever reasonable, of the personal interview requirement to shorten the application process for benefits under the Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program.