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(October 17, 2008) Lipinski: Help With Heating Bills Is On The Way PDF  | Print |

 

Lipinski: Help With Heating Bills Is On The Way
Congressional Funding for Energy Assistance Is Released 

[WASHINGTON, DC]  Today, Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) applauded the release of the $5.1 billion in energy assistance to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter.

 

"Families are struggling to make ends meet and heating costs are expected to reach record levels again," stated Lipinski.  "That is why I have made it a top priority to provide families with relief from high energy costs - doubling this critical investment in energy relief to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter."

 

The recently enacted spending law will provide Low-Income Home Energy Assistance to an additional 2 million households and increase the average grant from $355 to $550 (an increase of $2.5 billion over Fiscal Year 2008 funding).  Illinois will receive nearly $266 million to help families with heating bills that have more than doubled since 2001.

 

"This winter, Americans using heating oil will pay more than $2,300 per family," stated Lipinski.  "We cannot ask Chicagoans, especially the elderly, to make the choice between heat and food or medicine.  My three district offices are here to assist third district residents get help with their heating bills, and I am pleased that additional funding is being provided to assist families with these record prices."

 

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the state of Illinois.  A one-time energy assistance benefit is provided by local community action agencies or not-for-profit agencies throughout the state of Illinois. The amount of the benefit is determined by income, household size, fuel type and geographic location.

 

Rep. Lipinski's office has volunteers to assist constituents with LIHEAP.  To make an appointment to find out more about the program, call the Chicago office at 312-866-0481.

 
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