Tribe Renews and Expands Elders Electricity Assistance Program
Jan 12, 2016
272 Tribal Elders to Receive Monetary Assistance for Three Months
Akwesasne, NY – Tribal elders aged 68 years and over are noticing a $75 reduction in their monthly electric bills or rent beginning this month. It is the first of three monthly reductions elders will receive following a decision by the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council to renew a program that first ran during the spring of 2015. This year, however, the program was implemented sooner to assist elders with their utility bill during the coldest months of the year, or with rent for those that have electricity included in their rental agreements.
“We are pleased to once again offer assistance to our elders,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook. “Based on the success of last year’s pilot program, we were determined to re-evaluate and, hopefully, to expand the project to help more of our community’s elders.”
From April 2015 to June 2015, 214 tribal elders aged 70 years and over located within the designated 15-mile radius of the Tribe’s southern portion were eligible to receive the monetary assistance. This year, the minimum age requirement was lowered to 68-years old and will assist 248 elders with their electric bills and 24 individuals with their rent at Sunrise Acres—for a total of 272 tribal seniors.
“At the January 2016 Tribal Meeting, it was announced the Tribe’s Energy Assistance Pilot Program was being renewed for another year,” stated Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “Several elders were in attendance and expressed appreciation for the continued help, particularly those living on a fixed income.”
To help elders with their energy costs, Tribal Council in collaboration with the Compliance Department, Tribal Administration and the Tribe’s Chief Financial Officer developed a working policy for the Elders Electricity Assistance Program. They worked together to identify a sustainable source of funds to provide indirect financial support to tribal elders, while being fiscally responsible to tribal program and the protection of community interests.
“We extend appreciation to our tribally-licensed businesses for working in cooperation with the Tribe’s Compliance Department to provide the revenue needed to help our elders,” noted Tribal Chief Eric Thompson. “Taking care of our Totas has always been important for our community and the willingness of local businesses to remit licensing fees helps ensure their needs remain a priority.”
For questions pertaining to the Tribe’s Elders Electricity Assistance Program, please contact the Compliance Department at (518) 358-2272 or stop by their office located in the Community Building, 412 State Route 37, Akwesasne, New York.
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Please direct media inquiries to the Communications Department at (518) 358-2272 or email: communications@srmt-nsn.gov .