Press Release
Friday, January 24, 2014 For More Information:
Rep. Staed, 319-899-4365

Staed to File Emergency Bill On Propane Crisis 

Des Moines, Iowa – With propane prices doubling in the last week, State Representative Art Staed of Cedar Rapids and other lawmakers are filing an emergency bill next week to provide an additional $1 million to help Iowans struggling to pay for the huge increase in propane costs.

“In one of the coldest winters we’ve had in many years, the skyrocketing cost of propane is a heavy burden for many Iowans who need to keep their home warm,” said Staed. “In a crisis like this that affects thousands of Iowans, the Legislature needs to step up and provide immediate assistance to make sure Iowans are safe when temperatures go below zero.”

Rep. Staed and other lawmakers are filing a bill to add $1 million to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that will help propane users heat their homes. Propane prices are typically in the $2 per gallon range, but this week the price jumped to $3.50 per gallon and even reached over $5 per gallon on Thursday. For a typical 500 gallon tank, that means the cost to fill the tank has risen from $1,000 to over $2,500.

On Monday at 1:30 pm, lawmakers are meeting with representatives from Iowa’s propane industry to find out if there are other steps the Legislature can take to ease the crisis and prevent it from occurring again.

To apply for home heating assistance, Iowans can go to their local Community Action Agency (CAA) or log on to www.dcaa.iowa.gov/bureau_weath/how_apply.html. Iowans can also call 1-877-565-4450 for more information.