Legislature Sends Heating Aid Bill to Dayton

 ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The Legislature has sent Gov. Mark Dayton a bill containing $20 million in emergency heating aid for low-income people.

The House passed the bill unanimously on Thursday afternoon. The Senate approved it unanimously earlier in the day. A spokesman says Dayton will sign the bill immediately.

The bill replenishes a fast-eroding account for the low income heating assistance program, which has been stressed by a bone-chilling winter and high propane costs. The Minnesota Department of Commerce estimates that for each $1 million the program can serve 4,000 households.

The House first passed the bill on Tuesday, the first day of session. The Senate had planned to approve it next week, but Republicans in that chamber moved Thursday to fast-track it and Democrats did not object.