WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is releasing the final $444,989 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  This brings total funding for Maine to $39,180,816 for fiscal year (FY) 2015.

“For years, LIHEAP has helped keep Maine’s seniors and low-income families warm during our harsh winters,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement. “It has proven to be a valuable assistance program for some of our most vulnerable citizens, and this funding is part of that continued commitment to helping people stay warm in Maine and throughout America.” 

LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during both the cold winter and hot summer months.  LIHEAP households are among the most vulnerable in the country.  According to the National Energy Assistance Director's Association, more than 90 percent of LIHEAP recipients have at least one household member who is a child, elderly, or disabled, and 20 percent of households include at least one veteran.
 
The FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill provided $3.39 billion in LIHEAP funding through September 30, 2015.

The Senators are also supporting efforts to increase funding for LIHEAP in FY 2016.  

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