State Rep.-elect

Jaret Gibbons, D-10th, was recently appointed to the House of Representatives Southwest Democratic Caucus and elected as its secretary.The caucus, which consists of Butler, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties, was formed to concentrate on issues important to residents of the region.In addition to Gibbons, other delegation officers for the 2007-08 legislative session are: Reps. Joe Petrarca, D-Westmoreland, chairman; and Timothy Solobay, D-Washington; and Reps.-elect Jesse White, D-Washington, treasurer; Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, deputy secretary; and Deberah Kula, D-Fayette, deputy treasurer.———Residents struggling to pay home-heating costs can apply for help through Pennsylvania's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, according to state Rep.

Brian Ellis, R-11th.LIHEAP, which is funded by the federal government and administered by the state Department of Public Welfare, helps low-income households pay their heating bills and provides assistance to individuals in danger of losing heat due to emergency situations.Income eligibility for the 2006-07 LIHEAP season has been expanded from 135 percent to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.This year, a family of four with an annual income of up to $30,000 can qualify for LIHEAP. People do not need to have unpaid bills to receive energy assistance, and they can receive this money without being on welfare.If a person is eligible for LIHEAP, a payment will be sent to the utility or fuel dealer, and the payment credited to the person's bill. Additional money is available to individuals if they have an emergency situation and are in jeopardy of losing their heat.To apply for LIHEAP, call or visit the county assistance office to set up an appointment.For information, contact the Butler County Assistance Office at 724 284-8855 or call the toll-free LIHEAP hotline at 866-857-7095. People with hearing impairments may call the TDD number at 800-451-5886.Internet users can access information by visiting Ellis's Web site at www.RepEllis.com.