Legislation
LIHEAP Funds Secure for Now
Money will continue flowing to help needy Americans keep the heat on this winter, after Congress approved a stopgap plan.
Congress has ensured LIHEAP funding until March. (Illustration By: Newscom)
LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, will receive $1.2 billion. The funding was included in a continuing resolution to keep the federal government running through March 4. At least until then, the Department of Health and Human Services must continue funding LIHEAP at the same level as during fiscal 2010. The measure was approved by the House and Senate Dec. 21 and signed by President Obama.
“Topping up this essential program for the harsh winter weather has been a top priority in the final days of this session, and I am pleased that we are getting that job done,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. “Home heat in wintertime is not a choice but a necessity.”
Individual states distribute LIHEAP funds through their own programs and many were running on empty, including New York’s Home Energy Assistance Program.
“Without this critical clarification of Congress’ intent, we would have been forced to stop issuing regular HEAP benefits in early January, leaving tens of thousands of senior citizens and low-income households without the help they count on to cover their heating bills in the winter months,” said Gov. David Paterson.
The new Congress will be tasked with resolving LIHEAP funding differences between the chambers. The House approved $5.1 billion over the summer, which would keep 2011 funding at the same level as this year. NRECA is among the many consumer organizations supporting that stand. However, senators approved just $3.3 billion.
The National Fuel Funds Network has scheduled Feb. 9 for its annual LIHEAP Action Day in the nation’s capital.
Tags: Legislation, LIHEAP