WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 8, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Department of Health and Human Services released the final distribution of this year’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to the Commonwealth on Thursday, bringing the fiscal 2015 total to $213,354. LIHEAP helps about 400 of our low-income families pay CUC and cover other energy expenses. The grant is now four times higher than in 2013, making more families eligible and doubling the average monthly benefit.
After I introduced legislation in 2011 and then actively lobbied HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to use her administrative authority, she made the decision to lift the grant to the maximum allowed by federal law. With poverty levels in the insular areas from three to five times the national average and the price of electricity two to four times more than most Americans pay it only makes good sense to raise our LIHEAP funding. I also support increasing LIHEAP nationwide
