Additional $1 Billion for LIHEAP Signed … | U.S – Senator Susan Collins

Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden announced that the government funding bill that was signed into law last night included $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides funding to help low-income households pay their energy bills. In total, the government funding bill included $5 billion for LIHEAP, which brings the total FY23 funding to $6.1 billion.

Maine will receive an estimated $6.5 million in additional LIHEAP funding, on top of the $42.5 million the state was allocated in November through prior funding bills.  Senator Collins and Congressman Golden led a push to increase funding for LIHEAP during the negotiations over the omnibus appropriations bill that funded the federal government for fiscal year 2023.  The omnibus passed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and the House by a vote of 225-201.

“This additional funding for LIHEAP comes at a critical time for Maine families,” said Senator Collins and Congressman Golden.  “We strongly advocated for this increase for LIHEAP to help compensate for the record high fuel prices that are straining households’ budgets.  This much-needed funding will help to ensure that seniors on fixed incomes and other Mainers in need have the resources necessary to keep their homes warm this winter.”

Many Northeast residents have seen a significant increase in their utility bills this winter, with residential electricity prices in some states forecast to rise over 60 percent, propane up 40 percent, and natural gas prices up nearly 30 percent, resulting in higher home heating bills.

Senator Collins and Congressman Golden already delivered $1 billion in emergency funding for LIHEAP in the short-term “continuing resolution” (CR) funding package that President Biden signed into law in September.

LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies.  Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.  Senior citizens and those receiving Social Security Disability or SSI benefits are encouraged to apply as early as possible, but applications will be open to everyone through spring of 2023 — or until the funding is exhausted.  More information on how to apply can be found HERE.

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