Upon Harkin's Urging, Administration Approves Nearly $2 Million in LIHEAP Funds for Iowa

Press Release

UPON HARKIN'S URGING, ADMINISTRATION APPROVES NEARLY $2 MILLION IN LIHEAP FUNDS FOR IOWA

Home heating oil prices expected to spike by 28% this year

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees heating assistance, secured $1,976,235 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for thousands of Iowans relying on the program. Harkin, the Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) Committee urged the Bush Administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release the funds last month. The administration reacted this morning by releasing $131 million for the country including nearly $2 million for Iowa.

"No family should have to choose between paying an energy bill and putting food on the table for their children. With chilling fall and winter seasons around the corner, thousands of Iowans who rely on this crucial program will require assistance to make ends meet," Harkin said. "I am pleased that the administration heeded my push for heating assistance funds and I look forward to working with them in the coming months to address the needs of hardworking Iowans."

Iowa ran out of LIHEAP funds this year and stopped taking applications for assistance in April. In addition, Iowa had to reduce the average benefit by 30 percent. According to State LIHEAP directors, winter home heating prices are projected to increase by 10.5% for all families and reach record levels for home heating oil, propane and electricity this winter. Prices for home heating oil, in particular, are projected to be almost 28% higher than last year's level.

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