Ben Cardin - Senator for Maryland

Cardin, Mikulski Announce $66.3 Million In Federal Energy Assistance Funding For Low-Income Maryland Families

Senators Had Requested LIHEAP Funding through Health and Human Services Department

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WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that Maryland low-income families will receive $66.3 million in federal energy assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help Marylanders stay warm this winter.

“This is good news for Maryland families who need to know that their homes will be safe and warm during the cold winter months,” said Senator Cardin. “Our seniors, young children and disabled citizens are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures and this LIHEAP funding will help prevent utility-shut offs this winter.”

“No family should be forced to choose between paying the heating bill and putting food on the table,” Senator Mikulski said. “Too many people are being stretched and stressed by high energy costs. This critical energy assistance for low income families will help those most in need care for themselves and their families as winter approaches.”

In October, Senators Cardin and Mikulski along with 38 bipartisan Senate colleagues sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius requesting the funding be made available. That letter is available here.

Last month, the U.S. Energy Information Administration released their Winter Fuels Outlook report which stated that the average expenditures for households that heat with heating oil are forecast to be higher than any previous winter on record. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.

For more information on LIHEAP, Marylanders can visit: http://www.liheap.org/?page_id=515

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