Release heating assistance funds as soon as possible
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Reps. LaTourette, Markey,
McGovern, Larson, Welch Call For Immediate Release of Home Heating
Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the Department of Energy (DOE) reporting
an increase in the price for most heating fuels this winter,
Congressmen Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH), Edward J. Markey (D-MA),
James P. McGovern (D-MA), John B. Larson (D-CT), and Peter Welch
(D-VT) today sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS) calling on the Department of Health and Human
Services to immediately release as much LIHEAP funding as possible
under the current continuing resolution which expires November 18,
2011.
With continued uncertainty over the final FY2012 funding levels
for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), release
of these funds means states will have the opportunity to help those
with greatest needs now.
The DOE's Energy Information Agency projects average household
home heating oil expenditures will increase eight percent and reach
record highs this winter. The EIA also forecasts increases of three
percent for consumers heating with natural gas and seven percent
for those using propane. The National Energy Assistance Directors'
Association anticipates 9.4 million households will seek assistance
with their energy costs through the LIHEAP program this winter, up
from 8.9 million last year. The funding level of $3.4 billion for
LIHEAP in the draft House Labor HHS appropriations bill for the
remainder of FY2012 would allow assistance for only seven million
households.
"New England winters are often severe, but with impending budget
cuts to programs that serve the neediest, including LIHEAP, this
could be an historically harsh winter," said Rep. Markey.
"Releasing LIHEAP funds now will mean that households can plan for
heating and eating this winter and during these tough economic
times. We also must ensure that LIHEAP remains fully funded for the
next fiscal year, as millions of American families continue to
struggle to make ends meet. As we debate next year's budget and the
Super Committee continues its work, we need to ensure full funding
for this vital program is included while pressing for continued
action to help American families.
"LIHEAP is absolutely essential to helping families stay warm in
the winter," said Rep. McGovern. "It's a program that works
and that deserves adequate funding."
"I sincerely hope that any existing heating funds will be
released as soon as possible to states so struggling families can
heat their homes while Washington finishes the budget process,"
said Rep. LaTourette.
"As we approach another harsh New England winter it is
imperative that we make sure that those in our community who need
energy assistance the most are not left out in the cold," said Rep.
Larson. "The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has
played a major role in ensuring that low-income families are able
to meet their home energy needs for years and, at a time when so
many are still suffering from the worst economic crisis since the
Great Depression, we expect the demand to once again be high. I
strongly urge Secretary Sebelius and the Obama administration to
release as much LIHEAP funding as possible, as quickly as possible
so that nobody in our community goes without the energy assistance
they need."
"Even in good economic times, LIHEAP is a critical lifeline for
countless Vermonters," said Rep. Welch. "Now, with wages stagnate,
a tough economy, rising fuel prices and Vermonters struggling to
recover from Tropical Storm Irene, it is even more critical. Winter
is upon us in the northeast and we need to get the money to those
who need it now."
Here is the text of the letter to DHHS:
October 20, 2011
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary
United States Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201
Dear Secretary Sebelius:
As you know, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) is a vital safety net for many low income families.
As state agencies prepare their LIHEAP programs for the coming
winter, it is imperative that the Department of Health and Human
Services immediately release as much LIHEAP funding as possible
under the current continuing resolution.
Low income families spend a higher percentage of their income on
energy costs. This is especially true during times of extreme
temperatures and increased energy prices. October marks the
beginning of the coldest months for many families and it is not the
time to hold up this needed relief.
The Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration
(EIA) projects that the prices for most heating fuels will increase
for consumers this winter. Average expenditures for households that
use heating oil are forecast to be higher than in any previous
winter. The EIA projects that average household heating
expenditures for heating oil will increase by 8 percent this
winter. Consumers heating with natural gas are expected to pay 3
percent more this winter and propane expenditures will increase by
7 percent. While these price increases would be challenging under
the best of times, elevated levels of unemployment across our
states will make this year's heating season an even greater
struggle.
The current continuing resolution funds federal programs through
November 18, 2011. While there is still uncertainty as to the
final FY2012 funding levels for LIHEAP, it is critical that the
states begin the process of assisting those individuals with the
greatest needs. We therefore request that you immediately
release as much LIHEAP funding as possible under the current
continuing resolution in order to allow states and low-income
households to prepare for what will be a challenging
winter.
Thank you for your continued support of the LIHEAP program and
for your consideration of this request.