NEUAC Asks Congress to Fund LIHEAP at $4.7 Billion
National low-income coalition says energy assistance is dangerously underfunded
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition Chairman John Rich urges Congress to build upon President Obama's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program budget request by providing $4.7 billion in funding for LIHEAP in FY 2016. Rich notes:
"The President's LIHEAP budget request is insufficient, leaving vulnerable households cold in the winter and dangerously overheated in the summer. Many of the vulnerable include our veterans, one in five eligible recipient households include active duty military, dependents or veterans."
"LIHEAP funding is now just 2/3rds of its 2010 level of $5.1 billion. The President's $3.39 billion FY 2016 request further reduces LIHEAP's ability to help Americans in need. To serve more eligible households, funding should be restored to at least $4.7 billion, "adds Rich.
"At the $4.7 billion level, states can plan better, leverage other funding and pro-actively help even when there are weather extremes," says Monique Lovato, Executive Director of NEUAC.
America is in the midst of a home energy assistance crisis, as current funding levels result in four out of five LIHEAP-eligible homes receiving no energy assistance at all. Reductions since 2010 have prevented 1.4 million households a year from accessing LIHEAP. This budget request further diminishes an already chronically-underfunded program. Although the budget seeks level funding, states must nonetheless plan for a further six percent reduction due to new proposed rules.
More than 35 million U.S. households meet LIHEAP's federal eligibility criteria, but in 2013, just 6.7 million were helped. The loss of access to LIHEAP can devastate vulnerable households, especially populations prioritized by LIHEAP, such as the elderly, handicapped, and young children, says Mr. Rich. He also noted, "LIHEAP provides critical support to vulnerable Americans; but underfunding LIHEAP abandons too many people when they need assistance most."
Although the 2016 Budget seeks to improve the LIHEAP program, the request's practical effect means fewer resources will likely reach families in need. NEUAC urges Congress to restore LIHEAP to at least $4.7 billion, to concentrate funds in base grants, and reject efforts that syphon appropriated funds from LIHEAP's core energy-assistance mission.
About NEUAC: The Coalition is national, broad-based and diverse. Its mission is to heighten awareness of the energy needs of low- and moderate income Americans. NEUAC members are working to reduce the energy burden of vulnerable households through advocacy, policy improvements and partnerships.
SOURCE National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC)
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