SENATORS COLLINS AND REED SEEK ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO ASSIST LOW INCOME FAMILIES WITH ENERGY COSTS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Co-Chairs of the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) are again urging their colleagues to provide additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers critical assistance to seniors and low-income families who are unable to otherwise afford soaring energy prices. As winter nears, families will be faced with an energy crisis, if Congress does not provide aid to these low-income households before winter, families might be faced with the difficult decision to choose between heating their homes and eating.

"Last year, the winter weather conditions were terribly harsh, putting financial strain on many families. This year, we must be prepared for the cold weather and high energy costs," Senator Collins said. "If Congress provides emergency LIHEAP funding, families won't have to choose between paying their bills and buying food."

"The winter heating season has not even begun in most parts of the country, yet many low-income Americans are waking up each morning faced with an unimaginable decision - how do they pay to heat their home this winter, buy their children food and pay for health care," Senator Reed said. "Low-income seniors and families with children are struggling to make ends meet and they need our nation''s immediate help to make sure they have affordable energy this winter."

The Energy Information Administration is forecasting that heating a home with natural gas will cost an average of $1010 this winter, hearing with oil will cost $1114, and heating with propane will cost $1335. These record high prices are placing an incredible burden on families across the country. In Maine, the State received 45,700 applications for assistance last year, and expects at least 60,000 requests this coming winter. Further, the costs of heating oil are expected to rise to $2 per gallon.

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