Energy funding receives a boost from Congress
Americans who need a little help to heat their homes will continue to get it, thanks to the recent spending bill authorized by Congress.
Although the Trump administration had sought to eliminate the federal benefit, Congress actually bumped it up, appropriating more than $3.6 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.
“LIHEAP is a highly effective program that delivers critical short-term aid to our most vulnerable neighbors. The National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition is grateful to Congress not only for restoring funding for LIHEAP that was proposed for elimination in the administration’s budget plan, but [also for] improving funding for this critical program by $250 million,” Katrina Metzler, executive director, NEUAC, told American Gas.
The additional funds will be used to reduce the energy burden for eligible households across the United States, ensuring the health and safety of those families and protecting them from dangerous indoor air temperatures in their own homes, Metzler said.
NEUAC members advocated for the program in March during LIHEAP Action Day, when more than 200 energy assistance professionals traveled to Washington, D.C., to educate policymakers on the impact of the program, she said.
“Advocates explained that LIHEAP impacts more than just the bottom line on energy bills. The offset of expenses helps people afford other necessities like rent, food and medicine. Young children can rest safely in warm homes, and elderly adults are able to remain living independently thanks to support from LIHEAP,” Metzler said. “It was important that policymakers hear from their own constituents the many ways LIHEAP stabilizes families.”
The fight for LIHEAP’s future remains; President Donald Trump again proposes to nix LIHEAP’s funding in the next fiscal year budget. His reasoning—widespread fraud and overlap with other state-run services—is up for debate.
“I join our membership in applauding the decision by Congress to make this important program a priority. We are hopeful for bipartisan support for LIHEAP again in 2019,” Metzler said.