Rep. Poliquin Calls For Maximum Possible Funding for LIHEAP In the Coming Winter Season

WASHINGTON – With the winter season fast approaching, Congressman Bruce Poliquin (ME-02) is urging the federal government to allocate the highest amount of funds possible under its authority to LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which many Maine families rely on each year to help heat their homes. Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:

“LIHEAP is an absolutely essential program for so many Maine families during the winter months,” said Congressman Poliquin. “Our Maine families rely on this critical assistance each year and I want to make certain these families get the support they need.”

Congressman Poliquin joined a broad, bipartisan group of 95 lawmakers in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has jurisdiction over LIHEAP, to release funding at the highest level under the current continuing resolution funding bill so local agencies in Maine can prepare for the coming winter.

In the letter, the lawmakers write:

“LIHEAP is a critical safety net for low-income families, our elderly, our veterans, and those living with disabilities. Throughout the country, people rely on LIHEAP assistance to help them pay their utility bills through hot summers and cold winters, especially when faced with financial difficulties. For many states, October signals the start of the cold-weather season, so the need for heating assistance is imminent.”

Congressman Poliquin is a longtime supporter of LIHEAP. Earlier this year, the Congressman expressed his opposition to proposed cuts to LIHEAP in the White House’s 2018 Fiscal Year budget proposal, saying in part, “As I’ve said, I also want to maintain support for programs and agencies that serve our families and communities and help protect our environment. Specifically, I support funding for programs such as LIHEAP, which provides critical support for our Maine families in winter […]”

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Click HERE to see a PDF of the letter.

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Full text of the letter:

We write to request the quick release of FY 2018 funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), at the highest amount possible under the current continuing resolution.

LIHEAP is a critical safety net for low-income families, our elderly, our veterans, and those living with disabilities.  Throughout the country, people rely on LIHEAP assistance to help them pay their utility bills through hot summers and cold winters, especially when faced with financial difficulties.  For many states, October signals the start of the cold-weather season, so the need for heating assistance is imminent.

As state and local agencies begin providing assistance for the next fiscal year, it is imperative they have the resources they need to ensure those in need stay warm this winter.  Accordingly, we respectfully ask that you release the highest possible level of FY 2018 LIHEAP funds so these important agencies can prepare for the coming season.

Thank you for your support of LIHEAP. We appreciate your consideration, and we look forward to timely action by your Department to help our most vulnerable citizens in need.

Sincerely,