Northeastern Governors Urge Federal Government to Provide Billions in Energy Assistance to Low-Income Families

The Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG), chaired by Governor Jim Douglas, has urged the federal government to increase-by billons-federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in FY08.

The governors lent their support to Senator Bernie Sanders' (I-VT) efforts to provide an additional $2.73 billion in FY2008 funding for LIHEAP in regular program and contingency funding.

Further, they supported House-led efforts to increase funding for the program by $3.12 billion, which would fund the program at its fully authorized level and is an important step toward addressing the substantially increased demand for LIHEAP assistance in the wake of the rise home heating prices.

"I've noted many times how critically important the LIHEAP program is for Vermont's most vulnerable families, and am pleased to have a ready and willing partner to ensure its continued success in Senator Sanders," said Governor Douglas. "No Vermonter should be cold in his or her home this winter, or any winter. While the states are doing our part to keep our residents warm--for example, the creation of my new Fuel and Food Partnership here in Vermont--we need a strong financial commitment from our federal partners to ensure the LIHEAP program remains a valuable resource to assist families in making home heating payments."