The governor has a plan to help families keep their heat.

More than 100 representitives for Missouri's Community Action Network gathered at the capitol. They're asking legislators to approve Governor Blunt's proposal to give $6.4 million to the Utilicare Program.

Utilicare gives qualified families a break on their energy bills, families like Jessica Miller's.

"My husband and I are working in poverty. I mean we live in poverty with the working poor. That's where we are," said Miller.

Nearly 800,000 Missourians live below the poverty line and many of them can't afford the energy bills. But a decision could get many Missouri families out of the cold.

"It's just a little extra for a family that is struggling to get by. When a family is working at minimum wage, even two people working at minimum wage, its still difficult to make that money pay for all the bills," said Elaine West, Director of Missouri Association for Community Action.

The association estimates 45 percent of low income families do without food or medication to pay energy bills.

Propane costs 24 percent more than last year. And twice as many people need assistance this year.

The association says the Miller's aren't the only ones who need help.

Reported by Mallory Perryman