Clinton OKs $100 Million in Aid to States Hardest Hit by Heat Wave

President Clinton announced Friday he was making $100 million available to states hit by the recent heat wave that caused hundreds of deaths, especially in the Midwest.

A White House statement said that the aid would be targeted to the states most heavily affected by the heat wave. The money can be used to help low-income and elderly people buy air conditioners and fans and pay their cooling bills.

“The current heat wave has been very severe,” Clinton said in the statement. “Chicago has been the hardest hit. This heat wave is an emergency that demands a response from the federal government to help ordinary Americans get through the summer.

“I am glad to be able to tell you that the federal government can help,” he said. The funds would be issued to states immediately by the Department of Health and Human Services, the statement said.

It said Illinois would get the most--$15.7 million, followed by New York with $11.5 million, Michigan with $10.8 million and Ohio with $10.2 million. Wisconsin will get $7.7 million, Pennsylvania, $7.4 million, and Missouri, $7.2 million.