Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, currently exploring a run for Governor, today responded to news that Operation Fuel, an energy-assistance program that helps low-income families pay for heat in the winter months, is waiting for more than $4.75 million in delayed state funding, and is not sure whether the funds will be made available at all. "Even given the State's budgetary problems, there is absolutely no excuse for leaving Connecticut families out in the cold this winter. In fact, given that so many here have lost jobs in recent months and are struggling to make ends meet, the need for services like this may never be greater than right now. "Operation Fuel has made clear it's already working with reduced funds, in a year where it expects more families will need help. Unfortunately the response from Connecticut's Executive Branch is business as usual. Even with the hard facts staring them in the face, the Governor's Office of Policy and Management has not confirmed that it will meet its obligation to Operation Fuel, saying that 'if there's a problem, we take action.' "That kind of reactive thinking is exactly what's wrong with Connecticut. Over and over, we wait until the dam breaks rather than plugging the holes that need filling. "It's unconscionable that Connecticut continues to try and balance its budget by stripping our vital safety net services bare. As usual, the state's most vulnerable people are the ones who get left behind. It's time we broke that pattern, kept our promises to organizations like Operation Fuel, and ensured that no Connecticut family is left out in the cold."