Heating Cost Help on the Way

By Bart Stupak, Member of Congress
The Daily Press, Michigan
October 18, 2006

I am responding to your editorial (Sept. 21, “Where’s the help with heating costs?”) on the government’s policy on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The LIHEAP program provides federal block grants to the states to assist low income consumers with paying their heating bills.

As noted in your editorial, the most recent round of LIHEAP funding did not allocate money to the state of Michigan. That is because the Bush administration focused this wave of funding on states that predominantly use home heating oil to heat residences. As Michigan homes more often depend upon natural gas and propane for their heating needs, Michigan was not among the 14 states that received grants in this particular wave of funding.

While Michigan did not receive home heating assistance in this cycle, we can and should expect funding as winter draws nearer and natural gas prices once again rise. Not only will Michigan continue to receive its usual block grants of LIHEAP funding, but, like the 14 states that recently received “contingency” funding, Michigan will also likely qualify for yet more LIHEAP money as natural gas prices spike and our residents feel the pinch of heating their homes. As we grow closer to the winter months, I will continue to work to ensure Michigan receives the appropriate funding to assist residents.

In general, the home heating credits, state emergency relief and weatherization services provided through LIHEAP are vital to many northern Michigan residents. I will therefore continue working in Washington to ensure that the Congress adequately funds this critical program. For fiscal year 2007, the House appropriations committee has proposed $1.93 billion be allocated for the LIHEAP program in the Health and Human Services appropriations bill.

The Senate Committee has approved $2.16 billion for LIHEAP in its bill. While differences between the two pieces of legislation must be ironed out before final passage, I will continue working to ensure the LIHEAP program is robustly funded and that Michigan receives its fair share of this funding.