Will Legislature rise to the challenge?

Two heating assistance plans being debated today in the state House and Senate may prove to be a key test of how the Republican-controlled Legislature addresses the needs of Michigan’s poorest citizens.

 So far, the Legislature, along with Republican Gov. Rick Snyder, has proven adept at passing legislation to reforming Michigan’s tax code and reducing unemployment benefits in an effort to make the state more business friendly.

Now, Republicans face a different challenge as they scramble to create a temporary fund to avert what may be a crisis this winter as Michigan’s poor and  unemployed runs out of money to pay for heat.

Almost nothing could put a greater stress on the state’s homeless shelters and non-profits this winter than having thousands of Michigan residents forced from their unheated homes.

The Senate plan would create a $58 million fund that would be funded by several sources including a surcharge on utility bills. The House plan would transfer $62 milllion in  Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding to the state’s Emergency Relief Fund. Next year, some lawmakers are hoping to reach a more long-term solution to the problem.

With temperatures dropping outside daily – and a harsh winter ahead – one hopes that lawmakers move quickly to reach consensus and put a plan into place.