From Valleynewslive · · 1m 20s
Senators Push for Faster Heating Aid Funds
Bipartisan senators demand early release of home heating assistance money as winter approaches.
In brief
Bipartisan senators demand early release of home heating assistance money as winter approaches. Twenty-nine senators urge federal government to distribute low-income heating funds before November 1 to address rising energy costs. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Senators Urge Early Funding Release
A bipartisan group of 29 senators including Minnesota's Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith asked federal government to release home heating assistance funds earlier than required this year.
Deadline for Funding Distribution
The senators requested that Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds go out well before November 1, the legal deadline for distributing at least 90% of the program's total funding.
Program Impact
The program helped more than 100,000 Minnesota households and roughly 6 million households nationwide cover heating costs last winter.
Rising Energy Costs
The average household is projected to spend about $1,030 heating their home this winter, up 8.7% from last year, while heating oil prices are expected to climb 31%.
Senators' Statements
Klobuchar said heating in Minnesota 'isn't a luxury, it's a necessity,' while Smith said families 'shouldn't have to choose between turning on the heat or paying for their medications or groceries.'
“Klobuchar said heating in Minnesota 'isn't a luxury, it's a necessity,' while Smith said families 'shouldn't have to choose between turning on the heat or paying for their medications or groceries.'”
Other Signatories
Other senators who signed the letter include Susan Collins, Jack Reed, Lisa Murkowski, Angus King, and Dan Sullivan among more than 20 others from both parties.
At a glance
Twenty-nine senators urge federal government to distribute low-income heating funds before November 1 to address rising energy costs.
