WASHINGTON - Wild weather and political unrest have driven the prices for oil and natural gas higher this winter, even as demand for heating assistance has remained elevated during America’s economic recovery. On Wednesday, Reps. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Gene Green (D-Texas) will call for full funding of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help vulnerable Americans who cannot afford to heat their homes during these frigid winter months.
Maintaining LIHEAP funding at the $5.1 billion level will help thousands of struggling households to cover their energy bill. This important program, however, currently only serves 1 in 5 eligible people and is at risk for significant cuts in 2011 and 2012.
The press conference will be held in tandem with Winter LIHEAP Action Day, which is designed to call attention to the millions of Americans throughout the country who rely on LIHEAP to meet their basic heating and cooling needs.
WHO:
Tom Stovall, Chairman, National Fuel Funds Network and Executive Director, Operation: New View CAA
Representative Edward Markey (D-Mass.)
Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
Representative Gene Green (D-Texas)
WHAT:
LIHEAP Action Day Press Conference
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 11:00am
WHERE:
House Triangle, Capitol Hill (located near the Capitol, across the street from the Longworth House Bldg.)
