(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today signed a letter to express his support for full funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The delegation letter will be delivered to the Chairman Ralph Regula (R-OH) and Ranking Member David R. Obey (D-WI) of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

“I am a strong supporter of LIHEAP funding and truly believe it is a vital program that for so many Rhode Islanders means the difference between a warm night’s sleep and sleeping in a hat, scarf and mittens,” said Langevin. “With so many still desperately in need of LIHEAP assistance, increased funding to the program must be a top priority.”

President George W. Bush proposed $2.782 billion in funding for LIHEAP in FY07. While this is an increase compared to the $2.183 billion allocated to the program in FY06 by the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Act, it is well short of the $5.1 billion authorized by Congress in the Energy Policy Act passed last year. 

In 2005, nearly five million low-income households, persons with disabilities and seniors on fixed incomes across the country received LIHEAP assistance.  Unfortunately, largely due to funding limitations, an estimated 27 million low-income households, or 84 percent of those eligible, did not receive much needed home energy assistance.
 

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