[News From Congressman Bart Stupak] 
For Immediate Release
October 23, 2006
Contact:  Alex Haurek
(202) 225-4735

Michigan Receives $69 Million in Home Heating Assitance

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 WASHINGTON –The State of Michigan will receive $69,472,185 under the federal government’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help low-income and elderly Michigan residents cover the costs of their heating bills this winter.  Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) hailed the funding, saying it would be crucial in the coming months for northern Michigan residents.  

 

“LIHEAP is an important program for many of the residents of my district as well as citizens throughout the state,” said Stupak.  “With energy prices likely to spike again this winter, it is all the more vital that eligible northern Michigan residents receive assistance for paying their heating bills and weatherizing their homes.  No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table.”

 

The funding for the state is allocated for the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, covering October through December of 2006.   Federal dollars for LIHEAP are allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to the states in block grants and are disbursed under programs designed by the individual states.   The program is administered at the state and county levels by governmental agencies and implemented primarily at the local level by community action programs (CAPS), local welfare agencies and area agencies on aging.

 

Stupak said that rising energy costs coupled with cold Michigan winters have pinched northern Michigan residents’ pocketbooks. 

 

“According to the Energy Information Agency, average natural gas home heating expenditures increased 55 percent between the 2002 and 2005 winter heating seasons,” said Stupak.  “While EIA says prices may be lower this year, residents in northern regions still need all the help we can give them.”

 

A member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Stupak is recognized as a leader on energy issues.  Stupak authored a Democratic bill aimed at preventing price gouging of gasoline, natural gas and other fuels.   Stupak’s legislation would have required that fines collected from price gougers be used  to help fund LIHEAP.  Stupak has also introduced the Prevent Unfair Manipulation of Prices (PUMP) Act, legislation aimed at reducing rampant speculation in the oil futures market.

 

For more information on eligibility for LIHEAP assistance, visit http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap

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