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February 25, 2008HHS Provides $40 Million in Energy Assistance to Low-Income Families |
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From HHS News and Events: HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced the release of $40 million to help eligible low-income families meet home energy costs. The funds, from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund, will provide 11 states with heating assistance for the winter months. "Winter weather can have a devastating impact on low-income families," Secretary Leavitt said, "With these funds, the Bush administration will help ensure that American families are warm during the coldest time of the year." LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home cooling and heating in summer and winter months. The money released today is directed to states with 20 percent of their low-income households using fuel oil as their primary heating source. The Energy Information Administration predicts that average home heating oil expenditures this winter will exceed last year winter's levels by 34 percent. "Today's announcement highlights the Bush administration's continued commitment to protecting America's most vulnerable citizens," said Acting Assistant Secretary for Children and Families Daniel Schneider. The release of $40 million brings the total amount of LIHEAP funds released to date to approximately $2.3 billion this fiscal year, including block grant allocations and the $450 million in contingency funds released to all states on Jan. 16, 2008. States receiving emergency contingency funds today include Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local/state LIHEAP agency. For more information, go to http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/ or http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/brochure/brochure.html.
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