Grassley expressed concerns that a cut in funding for LIHEAP, the federal program that helps low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities pay for home heating and cooling, would be especially harmful following the recent cold weather in the Midwest and Northeast.
"The colder than normal weather in Iowa already this fall has forced up the demand and price of natural gas and heating oil. These funds are needed so low income Iowans are not left out in the cold this winter," Grassley said.
Grassley is a longtime supporter of LIHEAP and has encouraged appropriators to fund the program at the highest possible level.
The text of the letter follows here:
November 20, 2002
| The Honorable Tom Harkin, Chairman Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, and Education Committee on Appropriations 184 Dirksen SOB |
The Honorable Arlen Specter, Ranking Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education Committee on Appropriations 184 Dirksen SOB |
Dear Chairman and Ranking Member:
I am writing to express my strong support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP), and urge your committee to provide $1.7 billion in regular funds and $300 million in emergency funds for Fiscal Year 2003.
Early cold weather in October, primarily in the Midwest and Northeast, has already raised natural gas and heating oil demand, leading to higher prices and lower inventories. The Energy Information Agency is projecting expenditure increases for households of 25 percent for natural gas, 40 percent for heating oil, 19 percent for propane, and about 13 percent for homes heated with electricity.
Last year, over 75,000 households in Iowa received a benefit from the LIHEAP program. Through the end of October, more than 26,000 had signed up for LIHEAP benefits this year. Two years ago, during the colder-than-normal winter of 2000-2001, more than 85,000 households sought assistance.
Adequate funding for LIHEAP is vital to my constituents. Just two years ago, 21 percent of LIHEAP clients reported that they went without needed medical care or prescription drugs in effort to pay their heating bills. Twelve percent bought less food. Should LIHEAP be funded at just $1.4 billion, the state of Iowa would receive $5.6 million less than last year. With the already colder-than-normal winter upon us, and the rising cost heating fuels, it's critical that your committee fund LIHEAP at the highest possible level.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Grassley
United States Senator