Washington, D.C. – As temperatures in mid-Michigan dip below freezing, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) applauded the release by the Administration of $450 million in energy assistance to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter.  The Administration released $27,416,788 in congressionally appropriated funding to the State of Michigan.  Only New York, Pennsylvania and Illinois will receive more funding this winter.  Michigan tribal units will receive an additional $211,443 in heating assistance for tribal areas. 

“This winter, Americans using heating oil will pay more than $2,000 per family – over three times the 2001 costs,” said Kildee.  “This funding will help Michigan families keep their heat on as our state has been hit by hard economic times and is critical with Michiganders paying outrageous prices to heat their home.”

The 110^th Congress included $2.6 billion in funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in a recently enacted omnibus appropriations bill – a $400 million increase over last year. Bipartisan cooperation in both Congress and the Administration will benefit American families as the federal government works quickly to address the serious challenges of high energy prices and the slowing economy this winter.

LIHEAP was created in 1981 to assist low-income households that pay a high proportion of household income for home energy to meet their heating needs.  LIHEAP is coordinated in Michigan with the State Emergency Relief program and administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS). To apply for assistance, please contact the local DHS office.  Office contact information can be found on the DHS website at http://www.michigan.gov/dhs/1,1607,7-124-5461_7385---,00.html.