For Immediate Release: January 18, 2008

Help with Heating Bills is on the Way

Congressional Funding for Energy Assistance Is Released by Administration

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Betty Sutton applauded the release of $450 million in energy assistance to help seniors and low-income families keep the heat on this winter.  

"I am pleased that the Bush Administration responded to repeated calls from Congress to release emergency funding under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)" said Sutton. "Last year I along with my colleagues sent multiple letters to the President urging him to release the LIHEAP funds to assist seniors and low-income families keep the heat on this winter." 

The State of Ohio will receive $25,251,481 to help families with heating bills, which is critical as Americans are paying record prices to heat their home. This winter, Americans using heating oil will pay more than $2,000 per family - over three times the 2001 costs.

"This type of assistance is crucial to help families in Ohio and across this nation address the serious challenges of high energy prices and the slowing economy."

The 110th Congress included $2.6 billion in LIHEAP funding in the recently enacted Omnibus Appropriations Bill - A $400 million increase over last year.

Contact: Adri Jayaratne at 202-225-3401