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Washington, DC – Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand sent a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Boehner, Appropriations Committee Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis, to ask them to include $1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the emergency supplemental bill that will come up for a vote soon.
“Even though we have not even entered the summer season, the biggest fear that I have heard from constituents is how they will be able to pay for their heating oil six months from now when winter is again upon us,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand. “Unfortunately, the price of oil does not seem to be subsiding and many Upstate families will struggle to pay their heating bills this winter if Congress does not do something to help. This is why I have asked that LIHEAP funding be included in the supplemental bill.”
The cost of home heating oil and the number of families eligible for LIHEAP funding has grown in the last year, but LIHEAP does not have enough funds for the remainder of 2008. The President only has $120 million remaining in energy funds which is not sufficient to address the needs of many low-income families, disabled individuals, and senior citizens living on fixed incomes.
“Upstate families are already struggling with high gas prices and rising food costs, therefore, Congress can’t wait until we’re in the middle of a blizzard to ensure the LIHEAP account is fully funded,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand. “We need to work on lowering gas prices today, anticipate the heating oil needs of tomorrow and develop alternative energy technologies for the future.”
Rep. Gillibrand also voted this month on a bill, H.R. 6022, to require the President to suspend purchases for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in order to lower gas prices. The President signed this bill into law on May 19, 2008. Congress also passed the Energy and Tax Extenders Act, HR 6049, last week to encourage the production of alternative energy technologies such as biofuels, solar cells and electric cars.
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