The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can make a critical difference for many Americans.  LIHEAP protects public health and safety by helping low-income families pay to heat or cool their homes.  I have joined many of my Senate colleagues in urging the White House to increase its budget request for this program so that more Americans can benefit from it.

A recent study revealed that at least 1.2 million households had their electricity or natural gas shut off for lack of payment during a three month period last year.  These households often include seniors or persons with disabilities, and the loss of power or natural gas can be life threatening.  We can and must do better for these families so that they don’t have to decide between putting food on the table or paying the utility bills.

My Senate colleagues and I have asked for an increase in LIHEAP funding so that families can have some safety net when it comes to utility services.  You can count on me to keep working for low-income families.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator