Sanders Receives Energy Assistance Award

Sanders Receives Energy Assistance Award
6/10/2005

The National Fuel Funds Network has awarded Congressman Bernie Sanders the 2005 Extra Mile Award for his work to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The award recognizes Sanders dedication to the program and, in particular, his work to pass a 2004 amendment that provided $11 million in additional funding for LIHEAP.

"We are very happy on behalf of the members of the National Fuel Funds Network to honor all your support over the years and in particular your work in getting the Sanders amendment passed last fall to bring real money to LIHEAP," said George Coling, National Fuel Funds Networks executive director.

Sanders said, "Without LIHEAP, millions of senior citizens on fixed incomes, working families with children, and persons with disabilities from one end of the country to the next would be forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. In the richest country in the world, no one should ever have to make that unacceptable choice."

LIHEAP is a federally-funded program to help eligible low income households meet their home heating and cooling needs. An estimated 5.2 million households are served by this program-most of which have incomes of less than $8000 per year. Since coming to Congress, Sanders has been one of the major advocates for LIHEAP, which serves some 23,000 Vermont households. Approximately 40% of LIHEAP participants are elderly.

Sanders said, "Thank you for the Extra Mile Award. I trust that we can continue our work together to make certain that people across America will be able to secure the assistance they need to ensure that they live in comfort during the winter and summer months."

http://bernie.house.gov/documents/releases/20050610172848.asp