There is designated to be included in the public assistance payment level a monthly energy assistance allowance. The allowance shall be excluded from consideration as income for the purpose of determining eligibility and benefit levels of food stamp or benefits program recipients to the maximum extent exclusion is authorized by federal law. The allowance shall be calculated on a seasonal basis for the period of November 1st through April 30th.

Legislative intent—1982 c 127: “It is the continuing intention of the legislature that first priority in the use of increased appropriations, expenditures, and payment levels for the 1981-83 biennium to income assistance recipients be for an energy allowance to offset the high and escalating costs of energy. Of the total amount appropriated or transferred for public assistance, an amount not to exceed $50,000,000 is designated as energy assistance allowance to meet the high cost of energy. This designation is consistent with the legislative intent of section 11, chapter 6, Laws of 1981 1st ex. sess. to assist public assistance recipients in meeting the high costs of energy.” [ 1982 c 127 § 2.]

Effective date—1982 c 127: “This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect April 1, 1982.” [ 1982 c 127 § 4.]