WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced the release of $100 million in emergency funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Maine will receive $1,598,170 of this funding. The funds will be used to help low-income families in Maine pay their heating bills during this extremely harsh winter season and time of record-high energy prices.
“LIHEAP is crucial to the health and safety of many Mainers who otherwise might have to make difficult choices between paying for heat and other necessities of life such as food, rent, and prescription drugs. Maine has been hit by one disaster after another- from high energy prices to the huge storms that recently struck Aroostook County over the holidays- so we must ensure that those who need aid do not have to suffer further and go without necessary heat,” said Snowe and Collins in a joint statement.
Before Congress recessed last year, Snowe and Collins forged an agreement with Senate Majority Bill Frist (R-TN) and Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) for a Senate vote on a separate, emergency supplemental bill to provide $2 billion in additional funding for LIHEAP after Senate consideration of the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito in January.
“While we applaud the recent release of these LIHEAP funds, we maintain that Congress still must provide additional emergency assistance for the program. Otherwise, the program could run out of money and leave many Mainers out in the cold,” continued Snowe and Collins.
Each year, almost 5 million low-income households across the country receive LIHEAP assistance. LIHEAP provides a vital safety net for these households and works to help low-income families, senior citizens, and disabled individuals maintain economic stability. These families often carry a higher energy burden than most Americans- spending up to 17 percent of their income on home energy bills. Each year, this burden grows as natural gas, heating oil and propane prices continue to increase.
Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency or click on the agency directory at: www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/directry.htm. The directory can help people locate the state or tribal office that administers LIHEAP funds in communities across the country.