Rep. Tom Allen Decries Republican LIHEAP Cuts

Rep. Tom Allen Decries Republican LIHEAP Cuts
December 14, 2005
Republicans in Congress provide less than half as much LIHEAP funding as promised

Washington, D.C.---U.S. Representative Tom Allen, a member of the House Budget Committee, rebuked Congressional Republicans today for voting to allocate only $2.2 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) after promising $5.1 billion for the program in August's energy bill.

"Congressional Republicans have broken their promise and abandoned Maine families," Representative Allen said. "After voting in August to put $5.1 billion aside for heating assistance for low-income seniors and families, they decided today to allocate less than half that amount. With high home heating oil and natural gas prices, this winter promises to be brutal for those with limited incomes."

H.R. 3010 allocates $2.2 billion for LIHEAP, a mere $600,000 increase over last year's level despite the fact that the Energy Policy Act of 2005 authorized $5.1 billion to be spent on LIHEAP this year. With fuel prices substantially higher than last year, the average LIHEAP benefit of $450 will purchase less fuel for each family in need this winter.

"We have a responsibility as a nation to ensure that those in need do not have to choose between food, medicine, and heat," Representative Allen said. "Congressional Republicans ignored this responsibility, and chose instead to leave Maine people in the cold."

http://tomallen.house.gov/showart.asp?contentID=1811&IssueID=1&ID=