Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins, a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, and Angus King today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is releasing a total of $36,318,970 in funding for Maine through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), including $1,328,011 specifically for tribes and tribal organizations. 

“As the cold winter months approach, it is vital that we ensure low-income families and seniors in Maine have access to affordable home energy to protect their health and safety,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “This funding is welcome news as these programs remain important lifelines that help prevent vulnerable individuals from having to choose between heating their home, paying their bills, or going without food or medicine.”

Senators Collins and King have long led bipartisan efforts to support federal funding for LIHEAP.  In October, Senator Collins wrote a letter with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that was cosigned by 38 of their colleagues, including Senator King, urging HHS to release LIHEAP funds without delay and at as high a level as possible under the continuing resolution. 

HHS released a total of $3.36 billion to states, tribes, and territories.

The following funding will be allocated to Maine tribes, which is a portion of the $36,318,970 in LIHEAP funds awarded to the State of Maine:

·       Aroostook Band of Micmac Indians $158,053 

·       Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians $158,053 

·       Passamaquoddy Tribe--Indian Township $301,573 

·       Passamaquoddy Tribe--Pleasant Point $420,749 

·       Penobscot Tribe $289,583