After Push from Klobuchar and Franken, Administration Releases Over $100 Million in Critical Heating Assistance for Minnesota Seniors and Families

Press Release

After a push from U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, the Administration today released over $100 million in critical heating assistance for Minnesota seniors and families. Earlier this month, the senators joined a bipartisan group of 44 senators calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to quickly release as much heating aid as possible. In the last few years, spiking energy costs have led to a significant increase in demand for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which Minnesota seniors and families rely on to help keep their heat on during the winter months.

"Last winter's freezing temperatures showed us how critical heating aid is to ensuring Minnesota families can pay their heating bills and put food on the table," Klobuchar said. "With winter fast approaching, we need to do everything we can to make sure that Minnesotans aren't left out in the cold. This funding will help ensure that families and seniors across our state have the support they need to keep their homes warm."

"With cold weather in Minnesota just around the corner, no family should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table," Franken said. "Last winter's record low temperatures reminded us how important this type of support is to families and seniors across Minnesota. LIHEAP eases the burden for Minnesotans to heat their homes, and I'm pleased to see these funds released so quickly."

Since taking office Klobuchar and Franken have successfully fought to ensure that tens of millions of dollars in emergency LIHEAP funding have been available to Minnesota families and seniors. During a propane shortage last winter, the senators secured an additional $16 million in extra heating resources for Minnesota households.

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