For Immediate Release: September 25, 2008 Further Information: Mark Forest - 202-225-3111/774-487-2534 HOUSE PASSES FULL FUNDING FOR HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE   Measure To Appropriate $5.1 Billion For Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Delahunt hailed House passage of legislation that would provide full funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). “After years of under-funding the LIHEAP program, this increase is crucial in helping low-income families and seniors in Massachusetts stay warm as we face the upcoming winter season,” said Delahunt. “I am urging my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to send a strong message that in these uncertain economic times, no one should have to choose between heating their homes and feeding their families.” The measure was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday as part of a continued resolution or “CR” that will provide funding for the federal government when the fiscal year ends at the end of this month. The legislation will head to the Senate and once passed will go to President Bush for his signature or veto. As the number of families behind in their utility bills is reaching record levels, the LIHEAP program is essential in helping to address this crisis.  The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association recently reported that an estimated 15.6 million households owed almost $5 billion as of March 31, 2008, an increase of almost $640 million or 9.5% over the comparable period in 2007.  Home heating costs for the 2008-09 winter season will reach record levels and cause severe hardships for low and moderate income households.  Prices for this winter are expected to increase by 16.8% on average from $986 to $1,152 and 69.2% since the winter heating season of 2002-03.  Specifically, prices for heating oil are projected to increase by 30.2% from $1,939 to $2,524, natural gas from $855 to $1,017, propane from $1,673 to $1,890 and electricity from $858 to $944. For those interested in some helpful fuel assistance information, please visit Delahunt’s website at http://www.house.gov/delahunt/fuelassistance.shtml. -30- Newsroom