Maine will obtain an estimated $6.5 million in further LIHEAP funding, on high of the $42.5 million the state was allotted in November
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins and Congressman Jared Golden introduced that the federal government funding invoice that was signed into legislation final evening included $1 billion in supplemental appropriations for the Low Earnings Dwelling Vitality Help Program (LIHEAP), which gives funding to assist low-income households pay their power payments. In complete, the federal government funding invoice included $5 billion for LIHEAP, which brings the full FY23 funding to $6.1 billion.
Maine will obtain an estimated $6.5 million in further LIHEAP funding, on high of the $42.5 million the state was allocated in November by way of prior funding payments. Senator Collins and Congressman Golden led a push to extend funding for LIHEAP through the negotiations over the omnibus appropriations invoice that funded the federal authorities for fiscal yr 2023. The omnibus handed the Senate by a vote of 68-29 and the Home by a vote of 225-201.
“This extra funding for LIHEAP comes at a vital time for Maine households,” mentioned Senator Collins and Congressman Golden. “We strongly advocated for this enhance for LIHEAP to assist compensate for the report excessive gasoline costs which can be straining households’ budgets. This much-needed funding will assist to make sure that seniors on fastened incomes and different Mainers in want have the sources essential to maintain their houses heat this winter.”
Many Northeast residents have seen a major enhance of their utility payments this winter, with residential electrical energy costs in some states forecast to rise over 60 p.c, propane up 40 p.c, and pure gasoline costs up practically 30 p.c, leading to larger dwelling heating payments.
Senator Collins and Congressman Golden already delivered $1 billion in emergency funding for LIHEAP within the short-term “persevering with decision” (CR) funding bundle that President Biden signed into legislation in September.
LIHEAP is run by states and accessed by way of native Group Motion Companies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is predicated on earnings, household measurement, and the provision of sources. Senior residents and people receiving Social Safety Incapacity or SSI advantages are inspired to use as early as potential, however functions shall be open to everybody by way of spring of 2023 — or till the funding is exhausted. Extra data on how you can apply could be discovered HERE.
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