Task force to study helping Oklahomans with high gas bills

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Some Oklahoma lawmakers have formed a task force to study how best to help Oklahoma's needy with their heating bills this winter. <br/><br/>House Speaker Todd Hiett says House Republican

Thursday, October 20th 2005, 7:42 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Some Oklahoma lawmakers have formed a task force to study how best to help Oklahoma's needy with their heating bills this winter.

House Speaker Todd Hiett says House Republican are looking for fiscally conservative and free-market solutions to address the issue.

Hiett says the task force will also examine the role that faith-based organizations can play in assisting those in need during the coldest months of the year.

Officials say home heating bills could rise by 35 to 50 percent this winter compared to last year's prices.

The task force will look at heating and energy costs for working Oklahomans as well as funding for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps poor families with heating bills.