Sens. Collins, Snowe Express Concern over President's Proposal to Severely Cut Heating Assistance to Low-income Families, Seniors

Press Release

U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe joined several of their colleauges today in writing to the President's Budget Director to express their concerns regarding the President's reported proposal to reduce billions of dollars in critical home heating assistance provided to seniors and low income families through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The President's proposal would result in a reduction of home heating or cooling assistance for nearly 6 million Americans who are currently using the program this year, with more than 60,000 living in Maine. Under the President's proposal, LIHEAP assistance for Maine could be cut from this year's level of $56 million to as little as $26.8 million next year -- a 52 percent cut in assistance.

"I am concerned by reports that the President's budget proposes to cut LIHEAP funding by nearly half," said Senator Collins. "Such a severe cut would have a devastating impact on Mainers, many of whom otherwise would be unable to pay their heating bills this winter without LIHEAP assistance. Maine's low-income families and seniors are already struggling with rising energy costs and should not be forced to choose between heating their homes and other vital necessities such as food and medications. There are many other areas of the budget that can be cut, and that would not result in such harmful consequences for our most vulnerable families and senior citizens."

"The consequences of this proposal will disproportionately affect New Englanders, who are already facing a 25 percent increase in home heating oil this year," said Senator Snowe. "The LIHEAP program is a necessity, not a luxury, and the President must fully account for the devastating social impact significant cuts would have on families in Maine and throughout the Northeast as they struggle to weather the current economic storm."

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