September 28, 2018 – The FY19 Labor, Health and Human Services and Defense Appropriations minibus package has been passed this week. The package, which includes $3.69 billion in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, is a $50 million increase over FY18.
The agreement includes $3.69 billion for LIHEAP to assist more than 6 million low income households with their home energy costs.
The following is an excerpt from Congresswoman Shea-Porter’s letter to senior appropriators in the House to support funding for LIHEAP.
“LIHEAP helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winters and the hot summer months. According to the National Energy Assistance Director’s Association (NEADA), nearly 90 percent of LIHEAP recipients have at least one household member who is a child, elderly, or disabled. For those households, LIHEAP funding has been a lifeline during challenging economic times. Access to affordable home energy is not a luxury—it is a matter of health and safety.”
Rodney Frelinghuysen, House Appropriations Chairman, said in a press release, “The legislation funds human services programs that will protect and save lives both now and in the future.”
The President is expected to sign the bill before the end of the fiscal year.
To read more about the appropriations and stay updated, click here.
