LANSING - State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) is urging Congress and the President to boost federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help more Michigan residents meet rising heating costs this winter.
"We need to make sure that every family and every senior struggling in this tough economy can afford to keep their homes warm this winter, because it can be a matter of life and death," Brown said. "Michigan relies on this federal funding to help low-income residents make it through the harshest months. With heating costs skyrocketing, now is the time to increase federal support for this program."
Families who use heating oil or propane face rising costs this winter. Funding for LIHEAP, which is given to states to help low-income residents, has steadily decreased since 2005. The funding cuts to LIHEAP have forced Michigan social service agencies to reduce the numbers of families they can help and cut the benefits each family receives.
In Michigan, LIHEAP funding is used for the Home Heating Credit, emergency relief for struggling families and seniors to pay their heating bills, and weatherization assistance to help low-income families lower their bills. Brown is sponsoring a resolution in the Michigan House calling on Congress and the President to increase this funding.
Brown also reminds residents that Sept. 30 is the deadline to apply for the Home Heating Credit. Renters or homeowners who meet the income guidelines can get $200 or more for their energy bills. They do not need to file a state income tax return to receive the Home Heating Credit. Home Heating Credit forms (MI-1040CR-7) are available by calling (800) 367-6263 or visiting www.michigan.gov/treasury.
"No one should have to choose between paying their bills, buying food, or keeping warm," Brown said. "I can't stress the urgency of this matter to the President or Congress enough. We need to get more funding for LIHEAP in order to keep Michigan families safe this winter."