The legislature Friday re-convenes for a one-day session on energy assistance.  The state's sudden $75 million surplus has lawmakers pondering how that money can be used to give families a boost when it comes to high gas prices and the high price of home heating oil this winter.  While he supports helping residents in any way possible, Stamford Representative William Tong reminds his colleagues the surplus could quickly become a deficit.

"Should it be used this year? We have projected deficits coming down the road next year and thereafter," Tong says.

The General Assembly will consider a number of proposals that essentially all have the same goal of energy assistance.  Ideas range from pumping more funds into Operation Fuel to sending out rebate checks for low and middle income families with outstanding energy bills.  There's also talk of capping the state's gas tax. 

"What's on everybody's mind is the cost of gasoline, the worry of home heating oil and the difficult economic condition in our state," says Wilton Representative Toni Boucher.  "We need to do something to relieve that burden now and not wait until we start up again in January."

Governor Jodi Rell notes it's not just individual residents and families who need assistance--the elderly, non-profit groups and schools will need help too.