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For Immediate Release
September 8, 2006 |
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Shays Asks White House to
Release LIHEAP Funding Soon
Bridgeport, CT – Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT)
today wrote President Bush to request the Office of Management
and Budget (OMB) release Low Income Home Energy Assistance
Program (LIHEAP) funds to the states soon in order to maximize
purchasing power.
Connecticut received $43.2 million in LIHEAP funding in Fiscal
Year 2006.
In the letter, Shays wrote:
As winter approaches and many individuals across our nation
are feeling the squeeze of record high energy prices, I respectfully
request you make funds available soon to the states for the
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In the
face of soaring energy costs, this early funding will help
maximize the state's purchasing power this winter.
By releasing funding now, states like Connecticut can pre-purchase
oil before colder temperatures come, when home heating oil
becomes much more expensive. In Connecticut, where 40 percent
of homes use heating oil, we will be able to get the largest
value from our investment.
Gas and home heating prices continue to rise and consumers
are feeling a bigger and bigger pinch and providing additional
LIHEAP funding will help with energy costs in the short term.
But the key will be a long-term energy policy to decrease
U.S. dependence on foreign oil, protect the environment, build
a market for renewable energy, and promote energy conservation.
I urge you to consider long-term solutions to reducing our
oil dependence. I have recently introduced legislation, H.R.
4384, the Energy For Our Future Act, which would repeal tax
breaks for the profitable oil and natural gas industries,
raise corporate average fuel economy standards, and incentivize
the purchase of energy efficient appliances and energy efficient
upgrades for homes.
Contact: Sarah Moore, 202/225-5541
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