Home energy assistance program expanded

More Nebraskans are eligible for assistance with their residential energy consumption under a bill passed May 20.

LB306, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, increases the eligibility threshold for the low-income home energy assistance program from 130 percent of the federal poverty level to 150 percent. The bill also requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to allocate at least 10 percent of program funds to weatherization assistance.

The bill passed on a vote of 38-6 and takes effect immediately.