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Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is calling on the federal government to help people pay their heating bills this winter.
The cost of staying warm is expected to be higher during the colder months with natural gas providers in New York predicting a 31 % price increase. And the U.S. Energy Information Administration says heating oil prices could spike by 54 %. In Colonie Monday, Schumer said the department of Health and Human Services should release heating-assistance funds earlier than usual instead of waiting until the middle of winter. He also wants another $ 100-million added to the program.