The General Assembly convenes Friday to discuss ways of helping families deal with the expected high cost of home heating oil.  The one-day session comes as the state is enjoying an estimated $80 million surplus. 

"The question is whether that surplus money should be used since we have an expected deficit down the road," says Stamford Representative William Tong.

Tong and other lawmakers agree while a deficit may be in the future, something should be done to alleviate the high cost of keeping a home warm this winter.

"We're going to look at assistance programs for people in need.  Whatever we can do to take care of or fight against unfairness in the price of home heating oil," he says.

Tong says it's a different pricing method for home heating oil than it is for gasoline so don't be fooled by falling gas prices.  The legislature will also discuss anti-competitive pricing and market manipulation among high lock-in fees.