WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud voted in favor of H.R. 2638, The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2009. This bill contains $5.1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), fully funding the program as currently authorized. Michaud has called repeatedly for this level of funding. The bill now goes to the Senate for final approval.
“This increase in LIHEAP funding is very welcome news,” said Michaud. “I have joined with my fellow Northeast colleagues time and time again to push for this increase. There are too many families that are looking to winter and wondering how they are going to be able to afford keeping warm. As tens of thousands of Mainer’s know too well, trying to heat your home is harder and harder with increasing energy prices, especially when you are on a fixed income. Too many Mainers this winter will face unacceptable choices like whether to heat their homes or put food on the table. The funding provided in this bill will significantly reduce the need for families to make such decisions.”
Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services released the remaining contingency funds within the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for FY 2008, along with non-expiring contingency funds. A total of $120.7 million was distributed to states and territories for LIHEAP as a result of this action. More than 25% of the total release (roughly $33.1 million) went to New England, and just over $7 million went to Maine. Michaud and his colleagues had written the Administration asking for this release because of the growing demand for aid this year.
9/28/2008 1:11:13 PM
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| Washington DC 1724 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-1902 Phone: 202-225-6306 Fax: 202-225-2943 |
Bangor, Maine 23 Water Street Suite 205 Bangor, ME 04401 Phone: 207-942-6935 Fax: 207-942-5907 |
Lewiston, Maine 179 Lisbon Street Ground Floor Lewiston, ME 04240 Phone: 207-782-3704 Fax: 207-782-5330 |
Presque Isle, Maine 445 Main Street Presque Isle, ME 04769 Phone: 207-764-1036 Fax: 207-764-1060 |
Waterville, Maine 16 Common Street Waterville, ME 04901 Phone: 207-873-5713 Fax: 207-873-5717 |
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