Sens. Klobuchar, Franken Announce $7.3 Million in Emergency Heating Assistance for Struggling Minnesota Families

Press Release

U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken (D-Minn.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded Minnesota $7.3 million in emergency contingency funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

"With frigid temperatures across our state, no Minnesotan should be left out in the cold," said Sen. Klobuchar. "These funds are critical to helping thousands of families keep their heat on during the peak of winter."

"There are thousands of low-income families and seniors throughout Minnesota who are facing unaffordable heating bills," said Sen. Franken. "These emergency funds will help vulnerable Minnesotans stay warm this winter without having to choose between heating their homes and paying for food and rent."

Sens. Klobuchar and Franken have been strong advocates for LIHEAP, which helps low-income families and seniors pay their heating bills. Last month, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken were among 36 Senators who urged Senate leadership to ensure that LIHEAP funding wasn't cut for 2011.

Last January, Sens. Klobuchar and Franken successfully convinced President Obama to release $590 million in LIHEAP contingency funding, including over $11 million for Minnesota.

LIHEAP funds are released through HHS and administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce through 37 local service providers around the state. Grants are based on income and family size.

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