Anger over Paul's fuel aid comments

FEEDING HILLS, Mass. (WWLP) - Western Massachusetts residents receiving fuel assistance are furious at Republican Presidential Candidate Ron Paul. While campaigning in New Hampshire, the Texas congressman suggested that the federal government stop providing fuel assistance.

Paula Provost and her 90 year old mother Lillian of Feeding Hills are among those who receive federal fuel assistance. Paula Provost told 22News that Paul doesn't know what he's talking about. “People that have it don't understand what it's like not to have it. When you're freezing, you're freezing, you can only put so many clothes on,” Provost said.

Gail Pisacane handles the fuel assistance program for the Valley Opportunity Council in Holyoke.
She calls Congressman Paul's campaign remarks totally irresponsible. “People are paying over $3.70 a gallon. That's an exorbitant cost. How can people who have low incomes be expected to come up with that money month after month. Don't know where his mind is,” Pisacane said.

Paula Provost and her mother just got word Monday that fuel aid money is coming in to supply them and thousands of other people in the Pioneer Valley with enough money to fill their oil tanks one more time this winter.