U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announce that the State of Oregon will receive about $44-million to help families who are unable to pay their heating bills during the winter. As part of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the grant will be administered through NeighborImpact in Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties.  The program helps with paying energy bills, home weatherization and energy-related repairs.  In a written statement, Merkley says "Families shouldn't have to choose between paying their utility bills and paying for the next meal, but all to often they do." Merkley and Wyden joined Senate colleagues in a letter to Senate leadership urging the extension of funding at current levels through the end of September. Contact NeighborIimpact for more information.