Vermont is expected to get more than twice as much in federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program this year under a measure that also makes more families eligible.
Under a $5.1 billion appropriation by Congress, Vermont could get about $35 million, up from $17 million last winter.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders says the money means thousands more Vermont households can get help paying their heating bills.
He says the LIHEAP boost was essential for senior citizens on fixed incomes, persons with disabilities and families with children strapped to pay home heating bills.
The state of Vermont will contribute money to the heating assistance program as well, although officials don’t yet know how much.