By AP
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee State Senate has unanimously approved legislation that seeks to help low-income residents. The measure co-sponsored by Democratic Senator Douglas Henry was approved 30-0 Thursday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote on the House floor next week. The legislation allows the Department of Human Services to provide low-income energy assistance at "any percentage of the federal income poverty level that is permitted by federal law." Henry says the measure also authorizes the department to appropriately pay out funds to low-income residents if the federal government changes their eligibility requirements and the Legislature is not in session.