Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Introduces Bill to Reinstate LIHEAP Funding

Press Release

Today Congresswoman Chellie Pingree introduced legislation in the House to reinstate funding for LIHEAP. The bill mirrors legislation introduced in the Senate and has six original cosponsors: Reps. Mike Michaud of Maine, Jim Langevin and David Cicilline of Rhode Island, Peter Welch of Vermont, and Ed Markey of Massachusetts.

"The truth is these cuts to LIHEAP couldn't come at a worse time for Maine families and local economies. The combination of the bad economy and high oil prices is putting an incredible strain on families, and slashing funding for this program has just made the situation worse," said Pingree. "As winter sets in, so many people have called my office wondering how they will make it through the winter. I think this legislation would be a powerful step in giving them back the support they need."

For FY2012, LIHEAP funding has been cut from $5.1 to $2.57 billion. Maine is expected to receive $23 million, down from $56 million last year. For a Maine household, that means an average drop of $500 for the year.

The legislation Pingree plans to introduce would increase funding to $4.7 billion.

"Mainers work so hard for the little they have. They've already turned down the thermostat--what more can we ask them to do? For families, these cuts mean even harder decisions about balancing heat with other essentials like food and medicine," said Pingree. "And for local businesses, these cuts mean trimming millions of dollars from family budgets that won't be spent at the mechanic or local store."

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