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Mass. Congressmen, Joe Kennedy Protest Cuts To Heat Program

BOSTON (AP) -- Three members of President Obama's own party have spoken out against his administration's proposal to cut home heating aid programs on the same day the president is scheduled to visit a Boston school.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Michael Capuano and Jim McGovern, along with former congressman and chairman of fuel assistance group Citizens Energy, Joseph Kennedy II, criticized Obama's proposed reductions Tuesday as the president was set to visit to promote education innovation.

Kennedy said a compromise between Obama and House Republicans protected tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of seniors and low-income families needing fuel assistance.

East Boston resident Katherine Oliveris, whose fuel assistance allotment would be cut in half under Obama's proposal, said she and her husband won't have money for medications, food, and other necessities.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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