(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Langevin, along with a number of his colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, sent a letter today to President Bush urging the immediate release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds to help low-income Rhode Islanders. Of the approximately $150 million available in the LIHEAP contingency fund, $131 million is set to expire on September 30 if the Administration refuses to act.
 
“It is imperative that this funding be released,” said Congressman Jim Langevin. “I have heard repeatedly from social service agencies - including CCAP and the George Wiley Center – that they and their clients are facing a dire situation. Without this money, many low-income Rhode Islanders will be literally left in the cold in the coming months.”

Approximately 65,000 Rhode Islanders benefited from LIHEAP funding from September 2006 to April 2007.  This number includes: 25,000 under the age of 18; 9,900 elderly; and 5,600 disabled.  This summer, approximately 4,000 households were shutoff.  LIHEAP is not a federal or state entitlement program and the number of households helped is based on the amount of money available.  LIHEAP applications are based on such factors as income, poverty level, elderly and disabled households, and families with small children.

"Rhode Island is in an extremely vulnerable position with both a high reliance on gas and oil, and an unfunded affordable energy fund,” said State Senator Joshua Miller, who represents District 28 – Cranston and Warwick. “Without this additional emergency federal funding, thousands of low income families will go without heat and hot water this season.”

Today’s letter is not the first one sent to the Administration calling for action. In early July, a letter was sent to the President signed by Langevin and 80 of his colleagues requesting release of the contingency funds.  In August, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the release of $50 million in LIHEAP emergency contingency funds to 12 states due to the severe heat they experienced during the summer.  Rhode Island was not on this list, and so the fight continues.

“The resources aren’t there to keep people safe this winter,” said Joanne McGunagle, executive director of Comprehensive Community Action Program.  “It is critical to all low-income Rhode Islanders that this funding be made available immediately. Without it, families in our communities will suffer.”    

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