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Rep. Melancon Announces Aid for Heating Bills is Coming |
Louisiana will Receive Over $1.3 Million to Help Low Income Seniors and Working Families with Energy Costs
January 17, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon (D-LA) applauded the Bush Administration’s decision to release $450 million in energy assistance funding to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter. Louisiana will receive $1,317,110. This action is in response to calls from Congress to release emergency funding under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“Record-high energy prices this winter have left many low- and fixed-income Louisianians struggling to afford their heating bills,” said Rep. Melancon. “This $1.3 million in federal assistance will help many of Louisiana’s neediest continue to heat their homes, and I applaud the President for his cooperation.”
“Nonetheless, this assistance is just a short-term solution to the serious ongoing challenges of high energy prices and a slowing economy. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to address these issues and find long-term answers for Louisianians.”
This winter, Americans using heating oil will pay more than $2,000 per family – over three times the 2001 costs. The 110th Congress included $2.6 billion in LIHEAP funding in omnibus recently enacted – a $400 million increase over last year.
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