Senate Restores LIHEAP Funding
Landrieu Votes to Increase Funding by $300 million
WASHINGTON — United States Senators Mary L. Landrieu ( D-La.) joined her Senate colleagues in passing $300 million in extra funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for Fiscal Year 2003. This increase restores the $300 million cut by the Administration in its budget request to Congress.
"While the country is facing colder than normal temperatures and many parts of the state facing freeze warnings, it is critical that the we continue assistance for families and senior citizens that need it the most," said Senator Landrieu. "This program is more than just winter spending, but provides vital assistance for families during the hot summer months, freeing income for basic necessities and saving lives. I am still hopeful that we can eventually redesign the program so cooling costs get more of a fair share."
Without the increase in funding, states could be forced to deny assistance to 500,000 low-income households and senior citizens nationwide including 16,500 households in Louisiana. The FY03 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed the Senate late last night. It still must be agreed to by the House of Representatives and signed by the President of the United States.
