Senators Lieberman and Blumenthal Applaud Awarding of Additional LIHEAP Program Grant Funds

(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced additional grant funding for states, tribes, and territories under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Senator Lieberman and Senator Blumenthal applauded the additional grants, which will help low income families across the state reduce their energy costs this winter.

 “Connecticut is bracing against the dangerous effects of extreme winter cold, but the cost of staying warm can take a heavy financial toll on families that are already struggling,” said Senator Lieberman.  “This vital funding will help make a difference for the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens.”

 “As I continue traveling across the state listening to the people of Connecticut, it is evident how necessary these additional funds are and how they will directly impact families struggling to get by,” Blumenthal said. “The latest employment numbers are positive, but we still have a tremendous amount of work to do to get our economy back on track. Being able to afford heating your home in the winter, as well as insulating it to save energy and money, are basic needs that the people of Connecticut should be able to provide for their families. We are already seeing signs that it will be a long and cold winter, and I am confident these funds will help alleviate some of the difficulties facing Connecticut families today.”

 LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that assists qualified households in paying home energy bills, crisis assistance, as well as offering help with home weatherization and energy-related repairs. Congress has allocated the state of Connecticut nearly $96 million for LIHEAP funds through FY 2011.

 For the full list of funds available to all states, please visit: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/news/press/2011/liheap_allocation.html

 For more information and how to apply, please visit: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/liheap/

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