EMA Urges Congress To Fully Fund LIHEAP
The National Energy & Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC) is circulating their annual association’s letter in support of full FY22 funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
EMA has joined the letter, but if states want to also sign on (in addition to being covered through EMA), the letter will be open briefly and then circulated to policymakers in time for upcoming budget discussions.
Support for increased LIHEAP funding is especially critical this year due to the millions of newly unemployed families who are now eligible for heating assistance this winter.
According to leading economists, a one-percent increase in the unemployment rate is associated with a 13 percent increase in the likelihood of experiencing bill hardship and a 16 percent increase in the probability of not having sufficient funds to pay for residential heating.
Without robust LIHEAP funding levels this year, millions of Americans will risk losing the ability to heat their homes and potentially their lives as we approach the height of the winter heating season.
NEUAC is urging Congress to maximize funding for LIHEAP for FY22 in order to prevent and address a catastrophic loss of energy access across the country.
Thank you to all the heating fuel dealers who contacted their elected representatives in Congress to urge them to support increased funding for LIHEAP during EMA’s call to action last November.
