Levin Announces Michigan to Receive Over $4 Million in LIHEAP Funding

Soaring fuel costs necessitate financial assistance to heat homes

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., announced that the President Clinton released emergency funding today, including over $4 million for Michigan, through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funding is intended to ease the hardship caused by soaring oil prices across the country.

"With oil prices rivaling all time highs and severe winter weather striking much of the country, this funding will be a welcome relief to many families in our state," Levin said. "Last year, we passed legislation which allocated funding for exactly this type of emergency. I joined several Senate colleagues earlier this year in urging the President to release the funds, and I am pleased that many Michigan families will receive this much needed assistance."

The President announced today that $130 million dollars will be released today to assist lower-income families across the country, including $4,681,236 for Michigan. The fiscal year 2000 allocation for LIHEAP is $1.1 billion.

LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for fuel and weatherization to insulate homes. States determine eligibility and benefit levels. As part of LIHEAP, the Congress sets aside emergency funds to help States meet urgent home heating or cooling needs, and the President determines when an emergency warrants their release.