Whereas, Natural gas bills in Michigan are expected to rise monthly compared with last winter, and deliverable fuels (heating oil and propane) are expected to also rise, adversely affecting the safety and stability of hundreds of thousands of families throughout the state of Michigan, by causing them to choose between heating their homes or buying food or medicine; and,

Whereas, According to a study commissioned by The Heat And Warmth Fund (THAW), a statewide non-profit that provides low-income households with energy assistance and advocates for long-term solution to energy issues, 57 percent of 800 Michigan households polled indicated that regardless of income they have felt either a major or significant impact on their spending because of increasing energy costs; and,

Whereas, The number of households facing unaffordable burdens for energy is staggering:  more than 181,000 households must pay 42 percent of their annual income for energy and an additional 103,000 households pay more than 17 percent, causing a direct economic effect on local communities, both in the stress on community and social programs and on local businesses; and,

Whereas, No single public or private entity, state and federal government included, has the resources to meet the State's growing need for energy assistance created by these escalating fuel costs; and,

Whereas, Heat is not a luxury but a necessity during Michigan's cold winter months; and,

Whereas, "Keep Michigan Warm Month" is an excellent opportunity for Michigan residents to come together to help keep our neighbors warm and to show support for the various organizations that are providing services and assistance to those without adequate heating; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of February 2008, as Keep Michigan Warm Month and I encourage all citizens to join in the efforts to take action in their own community by giving generously to one or more of the many local programs providing this vital assistance to those in need.