Reed Announces Initial $23.3 Million for Rhode Island Winter Heating Assistance

Press Release

U.S. Senator Jack Reed today announced that the Obama Administration is releasing $3.01 billion in low-income heating assistance funds under the FY 2016 Continuing Resolution (CR). Under this initial release, Rhode Island will receive $23.3 million to help families and seniors keep warm this winter.

Earlier this month, Senators Reed and Susan Collins (R-ME) led a bipartisan group of 40 senators calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Obama Administration officials to release these Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds without delay and at as high a level as possible.

"We want to ensure seniors and families stay safe and warm this winter, so I am pleased the Obama Administration has heeded my call to release this vital heating assistance as Rhode Islanders begin to prepare for the cold months ahead. LIHEAP is an important lifeline that helps vulnerable families throughout the state meet the financial challenges of home heating costs during the winter. With winter approaching, it is critical to get this assistance to those who need it most," said Senator Reed, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

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