Democrats say Republicans don’t want to help Iowans behind on utility bills

Democrats are accusing Republicans of turning a “cold shoulder” to Iowans who haven’t paid their wintertime power bills. The Iowa Utilities Board mayextend the moratorium on utility shutoffs for customers who haven’t paid. That moratorium expires April 1st. Democrats in the Iowa House and Senate wanted a bill that would extend the prohibition on shutoffs. Senate Democrat Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs says Republicans won’t support it, yet. Gronstal says Iowans who’ve tried to pay at least half of their utility bills should not have their utilities cut-off next week.House Democrat Leader Dick Myers of Iowa City says 180-thousand Iowans are behind on their heating bills. He says they’re not all low-income people. He says many are senior citizens who’re missing a payment for the first time in their lives.The Iowa Utilities Board has a committee of five staff members reviewing information on the issue gathered in a meeting Wednesday. They could have a recommendation by tomorrow.