WASHINGTON, D.C. – As negotiations continue over the contents of an economic stimulus package, Reps. Benjamin L. Cardin and Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, along with 46 other members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to the leaders of the House and the Senate requesting that language requiring the immediate release of the full $300 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) be inserted into the economic stimulus package. The $300 million was provided in the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2001.

"The majority of Americans who depend on LIHEAP are either seniors on a fixed income or low-wage earners," said Rep. Cardin, who is a member of the Ways and Means Committee. "We are approaching the winter months and it's clear that millions of Americans are going to have to decide between eating and heating."

"The majority of states are now either completely out of funds or near zero balances as we approach the winter heating season," said Rep. DeLauro, a member of the Appropriations Committee. These funds are needed to help elderly and low-income citizens meet their home energy needs, pay their existing bills and avoid having their energy supply shut-off."

The letter to House and Senate leaders also requests an additional $1.4 billion in LIHEAP funding to be included in the final stimulus package. This would bring the total LIHEAP spending for fiscal year 2002 to $3.4 billion. Each year, more than 10 million eligible seniors and low-income workers do not receive assistance because of lack of funding. Nearly 80% of LIHEAP recipients receiving heating assistance earn less than the federal poverty level. Nearly one-third (32%) of LIHEAP households receiving heating assistance include at least one elderly person; 30% include at least one person who is unable to work due to disability; 29% include at least one child age 5 years or under. Nearly one-fourth (24%) of LIHEAP recipients are "working poor" households that do not receive any other public assistance.

"With more and more people being laid off before the winter season, families are going to need help with their heating bills," said Rep. DeLauro. "This would also free up more discretionary money in the people most like to spend money immediately, thus stimulating the economy."

"As we struggle to come to terms with the events of September 11 and the accompanying economic downturn, it makes sense to include increased funding for LIHEAP as part of the economic stimulus package," said Rep. Cardin.

Both Reps. Cardin and DeLauro were appointed to the Task Force on the Economy by House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt. The Task Force is a coalition of Democratic House Members organized in response to softening economic conditions and decreasing consumer confidence.