Connecticut Congressional Delegation Applauds $72 Million in LIHEAP Funding

(Hartford, CT) –U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Reps. John Larson (D-1), Joe Courtney (D-2), Rosa DeLauro (D-3), Jim Himes (D-4), and Elizabeth Esty (D-5) announced today that the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released $72, 346,318 in LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funding for the State of Connecticut.

“With winter weather around the corner, we must ensure that Connecticut homes are kept warm, and that families are never forced to choose between paying for energy bills and paying for other basic necessities. LIHEAP is a critical lifeline, and I applaud HHS for releasing this funding that will benefit over 100,000 Connecticut families. I will continue to fight to preserve this program from reprehensible cuts,” said Blumenthal.

“Not a single Connecticut family should have to bear the constant threat of losing their power because they can’t afford to pay overpriced energy bills,” said Murphy. “This $72 million of LIHEAP funding will be a lifeline to low-income families around the state, especially to the elderly, disabled, and veterans who might otherwise have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. LIHEAP is a public health program that truly saves lives.”

“This funding will help free working Connecticut families from the impossible choice of whether to heat their homes or put food on their table,” said DeLauro, senior Democrat on the subcommittee responsible for funding LIHEAP. “These federal dollars could not come at a more appropriate time, as temperatures start to drop and we prepare for another New England winter. I will continue to work with the Administration and my colleagues to increase funding for this critical program.”

"With winter on the way, it is crucial that low income families and seniors have the means to heat their homes. The grant awarded today will help provide for our most vulnerable residents in Connecticut. I commend the Administration for Children and Families and Governor Malloy for ensuring no one will be left out in the cold," said Larson.

“In Connecticut, where residents face brutal winters and higher energy costs, LIHEAP funding provides a critical lifeline to low-income families. The heating assistance announced today will help ensure that families are not forced to choose between buying groceries and keeping warm at home,” said Courtney.

“The fluctuating cost of energy can be a source of anxiety for many Americans. As we head into the winter months, we are always reminded that energy bills place a disproportionately large burden on low-income Americans, and we should do everything in our power to make sure that no one, regardless of income, has to worry about keeping their children warm. This LIHEAP grant will be a huge assistance toward meeting that goal,” said Himes.

“As we enter the coldest months, no family or individual should be forced to choose between buying food to eat and heating their home,” said Esty. “I applaud HHS for releasing these funds in a timely manner to provide energy assistance to low-income families and seniors across Connecticut, allowing those with the greatest need to prepare for challenging times ahead.”

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