(iTongresa vi t4e Ilniteb States - Senator Ed Markey letter re LIHEAP 10.12.122.pdf(iTongresa vi t4e...

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October 10 2012

The Honorable Kathleen SebeliusSecretaryUnited States Department of Health and Human Services200 Independence Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20201

Dear Secretary Sebelius:

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (UHEAP) is a vital safety net formany low-income families, especially for our elderly, our disabled, and our veterans. Asstate agencies prepare their LIHEAP programs for the coming winter, it is imperative thatthe Department of Health and Human Services immediately release as much LIHEAPfunding as possible under the current continuing resolution (CR).

As you know, spending patterns for LIHEAP assistance are not consistent throughout thefiscal year. Instead, the majority of assistance in many states is distributed during thewinter months to offset high home heating costs. Many state governors have alsoprojected that delays in LIHEAP funding would result in families across the countryhaving unmet heating needs this winter. As you are also aware, low-income familiesspend a higher percentage of their income on energy costs. This is especially true duringtimes of extreme temperatures and increased energy prices. October marks the beginningof the coldest months for many families, and with continued elevated levels ofunemployment across our states, this year’s heating season will be an even greaterstruggle. The timing is crucial for the release of the majority of LIHEAP funding.

Accordingly, we believe it is critical that the states begin the process of assisting thoseindividuals with the greatest needs immediately. We request that you release as muchLIHEAP funding as possible under the current CR without delay, in order to allow statesand low-income households the resources they need to prepare for a challenging winter.With forecasts for above-normal snowfall for all major 1-95 cities, including New YorkCity, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, the timing is critical.

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER

Page 2October 10,2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

Thank you for your continued support of the LIHEAP program and for yourconsideration of this request.

Sincerely,

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Steven C. LaTourette

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John Dingell

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Page 3October 10,2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

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Page 4October 10,2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

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Page 5October 10,2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

Lou Barletta

At,.. rDonna Edwards

Eleanor Holmes

S~ty Peters

flfr~ARick Larsen

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heila ~i’on Lee

Marcia L. Fudge

Frank C. Guinta

Michael fyi Honda

Henry C “Hank” .hnson, Jr

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Page 6October 10, 2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

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Robert c. “C~ bby” Scott

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Charles F. Bass Bishop, Jr.

Page 7October 10, 2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

%iiCL~enme G. Thompson

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Dennis J. ~ c• ich

Rosa DeLauro

Dale E. Kildee

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St?anne Bonamici

Paul D. Tonko

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Page 8October IQ, 2012LIHEAP Letter to HHS

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(jpanue’&- - - Christopher P. Gibson