Gillibrand, Hanna call for weatherization funding

1/8/2013 (Updated 11:06:05 PM)

With winter weather upon us, it's that time of year that heating bills sky rocket.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressmen Richard Hanna were in Owego today, urging the president to increase funding to the Weatherization Assistance Program and the State Energy Program.

These programs help fix insulation and sealing problems with houses which can help lower heating bills. 

"My argument is that this is where we shouldn't cut spending. This is one area where every dollar you invest has significant returns on that investment," said Gillibrand.

"If you spend $6,500 to upgrade a home and you can get close to $450.00 dollars per year back, that is the definition of something that pays for itself," said Hanna.

Proper weatherization of a house can save up to $400 per year on heating and cooling bills.