State gets $11.5m in heating assistance

Massachusetts will receive $11.5 million in emergency funding from the federal government to help low-income residents heat their homes this winter, according to Governor Deval Patrick's office.

The money was part of $120.7 million in funds released by the federal Department of Health and Human Services.

Massachusetts officials still hope to receive more money. Earlier this year, Patrick and several other New England governors called on the federal government to significantly increase funding for home heating assistance.

Last year, $130 million in state and federal funding was used to help about 141,000 residents.
(By Erin Ailworth, Globe staff)