WALSH SUPPORTS NEW LIHEAP FUNDING APPROVED BY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

(Washington D.C.)- Congressman Jim Walsh supported legislation that cleared the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday providing an additional $1 billion in FY 2006 funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill passed the House 287 to 128.

"This money will have a direct impact for families struggling with rising energy costs and New York's cold winters," said Walsh. "These resources will be available for distribution by the states just as soon as the legislation is signed into law by the President."

The $1 billion is on top of $2.16 billion in funding previously allocated for the program earlier this fiscal year. At a community meeting last month hosted by Syracuse United Neighbors (SUN) in Syracuse, Walsh pledged to support the $1 billion supplemental allocation approved yesterday and indicated he would continue to work to secure added resources for area families in need of heating assistance.

LIHEAP is a block grant program under which the federal government gives annual grants to states and the District of Columbia to operate multi-component home energy assistance programs for needy households. Federal standards have very broad guidelines, with almost all decisions regarding LIHEAP made by the states. The overwhelming majority of LIHEAP funding is used to help pay home heating costs for qualified families and seniors, though monies can be used to support weatherization projects and help with energy-related crises.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their County Office of Social Services or the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at 1-800-342-3009 for information. More information can be found online at www.otda.state.ny.us/otda/heap/default.htm.

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