Grassley: $21 Million to Iowa to Help Low-Income Families Pay Heating Bills


? Sen. Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is releasing $21,025,901 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to Iowa. Funds will help low-income Iowans with their heating bills during October, November and December this year.

LIHEAP is the federal program that helps low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities pay for home heating and cooling.

"Even though Iowans are enjoying Indian summer right now, we know winter is right around the corner. This funding will help make sure that Iowa is prepared to help those struggling with high heating bills," Grassley said.

Grassley is a longtime supporter of LIHEAP and has contacted congressional appropriators this year and urged them to provide at $2 billion for LIHEAP in fiscal year 2004.

Grassley also encouraged any Iowans that feel they may need assistance through the LIHEAP program to contact the Iowa Department of Human Rights at 515/281-4204, or though their website at www.state.ia.us/government/dhr/caa.

"I hope that all Iowans that qualify for help contact the Iowa Department of Human Rights so that no one will have to choose between heating their homes and other necessities this winter," Grassley said.