Ellison Urges President Obama to Continue Heating Assistance for Minnesotans

January 31, 2012

by Minnesota RealEstateRama

WASHINGTON, DC – January 31, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) joined 103 members of Congress today to urge President Obama to help Minnesotans heat their homes during winter. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families and seniors with their energy bills, which is crucial during cold Minnesota winters. The number of families eligible for the program vastly exceeds the funds available. This funding remains a lifeline during the economic downturn as energy costs continue to rise.

According to the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance, not even one-third of eligible families receive home heating assistance in Minnesota, while other families must do without. The average temperature in the Twin Cities during January is 13 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association anticipates 9.4 million households will seek assistance with their energy costs through the LIHEAP program this winter, up from 8.9 million last year.

“LIHEAP is about more than just heating assistance for low-income families and seniors, though that alone would be reason to fight for it,” Ellison said. “This is about the fundamental American promise to care for those who need heat during the cold winter months. We don’t want our grandparents having to choose between fuel and food.”