Kerry, Kennedy Call for Increased Funding for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Press Release

KERRY, KENNEDY CALL FOR INCREASED FUNDING FOR LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy today called for an additional $2.53 billion in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Senators co-sponsored an amendment put forward by Senator Bernard Sanders (I-Vermont), which was attached to the Housing bill.

The increase of $2.53 billion would raise the total LIHEAP funding to $5.1 billion for FY '08.

It's estimated that heating oil costs have risen 116% since 2005. A vast majority of households that rely on LIHEAP are located in the Northeast.

"This winter, thousands of households across Massachusetts may be forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on their tables. Washington must take action now rather than wait until the point of no return. Fully funding LIHEAP now is the best way to help our state's vulnerable, low-income families before the snow starts to fall," said John Kerry, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

"This amendment will provide essential assistance to those unable to afford their energy bills. Senator Kennedy believes that we must not allow vulnerable families to go without heat this winter, and he strongly supports fully funding LIHEAP," said Kennedy Spokeswoman Melissa Wagoner.

In addition, the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will hold a public hearing entitled, "Examining Solutions to Cope with the Rise in Home Heating Oil Prices," next Wednesday at 10:00 a.m., in room 428A of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The hearing will examine the high cost of home heating oil and its effect on homeowners and small businesses, and look at innovative programs and renewable alternatives to help consumers in the Northeast.

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