Those "Wackos" in Venezuela

The Government of Venezuela announced a statewide heating oil assistance program in Massachusetts on Nov. 22, and a similar program in The Bronx borough of New York on Dec. 6, 2005. Discussions for further expansion of the program are underway in several other states, including Delaware, Vermont, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

“It is imperative we act to ensure our citizens are safe and warm this winter. The cost of heating oil has risen dramatically and the federal government has failed to provide the resources needed to help Maine citizens. We are grateful to CITGO and the Venezuelan government for their generosity,” said Governor of Maine, John Baldacci.

Baldacci said the deal was not about politics: "We have over 24,000 low-income seniors who are making less than $12,000 a year and they really need this assistance."

He added that Citgo was the only major oil company to respond to an appeal by 12 U.S. senators for assistance this winter. "It's a year when big oil companies have record profits. We encourage other companies also to come forward."

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The Stats:

8 million gallons of heating oil at a 40% discount converted into additional funds for Maine’s 48,000 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program recipients.

900,000 gallons of heating oil at a 40% discount to Native American tribes

120 thousand gallons donated to homeless shelters and other institutions

Maine' estimate of CITGO’s total donation will be approximately 5.5 million dollars.

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“Some have tried to read politics into these outreach programs”, said Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez. “This program has a human face. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a promise in New York City following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and this Maine heating oil program represents the goodwill between the people of Venezuela and the United States. Help for those who need it most is a cornerstone of the new Venezuelan economy under President Chavez, and this program, following similar ones in Massachusetts and the Bronx, is part of a new effort to increase regional integration. ”

“CITGO is pleased to be part of another assistance program for those in need,” said Felix Rodriguez, CITGO’s CEO. “CITGO has over 160 gas stations in Maine, and we are proud to be responsible corporate citizens in the communities in which we operate, especially when the need is great. This is not about politics, this is not about oil. This is about life, about improving the lives of poor people. This is about people helping people.”

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Damn "wackos" . Thanks McCain.


Related Articles:

Venezuela Donates More Heating Oil to the Poor
Venezuela-CITGO 8 million gallons of Low-Cost Heating Oil Arrived to Maine