WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, Chairman of the Health,
Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released the following statement in response
to the Senate passage of $5.1 billion in LIHEAP funding, which increases the formula
allotment for Massachusetts to $154 million. This funding level will provide an average
benefit of $490 to over 300,000 households in the Commonwealth.
"I'm thrilled that the Senate voted to fully fund LIHEAP, which provides essential
heating assistance to low-income families. This vote is a strong rejection of the White
House's plan to cut fuel assistance and it nearly doubles the budgeted amount of
assistance for Massachusetts families next year. Rising energy prices force families to
make impossible choices between heating their homes or feeding their children or buying
essential medicines, so it's vital that we provide the relief they need."
