Congresswoman Chellie Pingree disappointed with proposed cuts to heating assistance

Press Release

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today that proposed cuts in the President's budget to LIHEAP (Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program) could be devastating to the thousands of Maine families who depend on the funds to heat their homes during cold Northeast winters.

"I'm very disappointed that the budget takes such a drastic approach to cutting this program. So many Maine families and seniors depend on that support to get through our tough winters," Pingree said. "They've already turned down the thermostat and cut their budget to the bare bones. What more can we ask them to do?"

Defending LIHEAP earlier this year

The President's proposal would cut funding for LIHEAP in half, from $5.1 to $2.57 billion. Maine's estimated allocation would go down from $54.3 million this year to $26.5 million in 2012.

The program helps nearly 70,000 Maine households make ends meet by offsetting home-heating costs. Funding is especially important for Maine since the state has some of the country's oldest housing stock and is heavily dependent on oil for heating.

After prices dipped to a low of about $2.25 at the beginning of the economic downturn, the average cost of heating oil in Maine has continued to rise to $3.35 a gallon.

"Maine communities are still struggling in the down economy. Slashing funding for this program makes it even harder for them to recover," said Pingree. "Not only do these cuts put people at risk, but they take money from families who would spend it at the local grocery store or mechanic. At this vulnerable time of economic recovery, we just can't afford to go backward like this."

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