WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) announced that the Administration released $5.1 billion to refill the coffers of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a program created in 1981 under which the federal government allocates funds to states to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households.  Missouri will receive $114 million in LIHEAP funds for Fiscal Year 2009.  The $114 million will include $103 million for state block grants and $11 million in emergency contingency funds.
   
          “Through the years, LIHEAP has provided critical energy assistance to Missouri families who qualify for it.  This year, as Missourians encounter a less productive economy, stretch their family budgets to pay the bills, and find it more difficult to make ends meet, those who once may not have qualified for LIHEAP may in fact qualify to receive a helping hand during tough winter months.  The Missouri Public Service Commission has indicated prices for natural gas and propane will be higher this winter.
 
          “As I have visited with those responsible for distributing LIHEAP funds in rural Missouri, like the Community Action Agencies in Appleton City and Marshall, I am convinced that LIHEAP will be more necessary than ever during the upcoming winter.  I am pleased that the Congress and the President have made funding available to provide qualifying distressed families with relief from high energy costs.  This money will make an investment in energy security of Missouri families,” Skelton said.   

          Congress approved and the President signed into law H.R. 2638, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act for 2009 (Public Law 110-329), which appropriated additional funds to LIHEAP.      

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.