Shimkus Announces LIHEAP Funding; Calls on Obama to Release More Funds

January 14, 2010
by Illinois RealEstateRama

Category: News || Grants, Housing & Development | No Comments

Washington, DC - January 14, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) — Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) has co-signed a letter with 112 of his colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, to President Obama asking that Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) contingency funds be released.

The letter to President Obama states:

“The recently-passed Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $5.1 billion for LIHEAP - the highest funding level in the history of the program - of which more than $590 million is dedicated to LIHEAP contingency funding.  We urge you to release these resources as soon as possible, and we ask that you dedicate sufficient funds for this program in your fiscal year 2011 budget request.”

The letter highlights how current unemployment rates and other economic data allow for the contingency funds to be used under the law.

The letter concludes:

“For many years LIHEAP has been a vital safety net for low-income families and seniors.  In these tough economic times, the program is more important than ever.  As such, we respectfully request that you release LIHEAP funding to meet the immediate emergency needs, and we urge you to maintain the federal commitment to low-income energy assistance.”

The Department of Health and Human Service announced Tuesday that it was releasing $1.2 billion as the second regular block grant of LIHEAP funds to the states.  Illinois is set to receive $56,367,691.  The contingency funds would be in addition to this grant.

“I am certain that the agencies administering LIHEAP funds locally have had requests for assistance from more people than ever this winter.  The stalled economy and recent cold temperatures will only make future heating bills more difficult for some to pay,” Shimkus said.

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