Michaud Pushes for Full Funding of LIHEAP

Press Release

Today, Congressman Mike Michaud joined his colleagues in pushing for full funding of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Michaud and his colleagues are sending a letter to House leadership that requests $5.1 billion for LIHEAP, which is equal to the amount the program received in FY 2010.

"This just needs to get done," said Michaud. "Many Mainers rely on this important assistance to get through the winter and makes ends meet. Maintaining adequate funding of LIHEAP will help make sure they get the assistance they need from this critical program."

According to a MaineHousing press release from November 16th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has informed Maine that until Congress passes a budget, LIHEAP funding available for the state is $28 million, which when combined with existing funds provides a total of $32 million for heating assistance. Last year, Maine's base funding level was $52 million for the 2009-2010 heating season.

The full text of the letter that Michaud and his colleagues are sending can be found below.

Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader Boehner, Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis:

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a vital safety net for our nation's low-income households. As you know, the current Continuing Resolution expires on December 3, 2010. As you work to develop an omnibus appropriations bill or further Continuing Resolution for FY2011, we urge you to fund LIHEAP through September 30, 2011 at least at the FY2010 levels of $5.1 billion.

Because of the structure of LIHEAP, states are already being forced to make reductions in LIHEAP benefits as a result of the discrepancies between the funding levels set forth by the House and Senate. For instance in Massachusetts, average benefits are projected to be reduced by nearly 50 percent. Funding LIHEAP through the end of the fiscal year at the FY2010 level of $5.1 billion is critical to restoring home energy assistance and maintaining economic stability for working low-income families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals. The number of households seeking LIHEAP assistance is projected to again reach record levels this year. However, the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association projects that funding LIHEAP at the FY2011 levels reported by the Senate would lead to roughly 2 million households nationwide being denied benefits.

At the same time, the Department of Energy (DOE) is projecting average household expenditures on many heating fuels to rise this winter. DOE projects that average household expenditures on heating oil will rise 12.6 percent nationwide and 14.5 percent in the Northeast. Expenditures on propane are expected to increase nearly 8 percent nationwide and more than 15 percent in the Midwest.

Funding LIHEAP for the remainder of FY2011 at least at the FY2010 level of $5.1 billion is critical to ensure that low-income families, the disabled, and senior citizens do not have to face a choice between paying their home energy bills or affording other basic necessities such as prescription drugs, housing, and food this winter. Thank you for your continued support of the LIHEAP program and your consideration of our request.

Sincerely,

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