Release of emergency contingency funds helps MA, but more needed
 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, welcomed the release of funds to help Massachusetts families buy heating oil and called on Congress to move quickly to approve further funding to cover the rest of the winter. Massachusetts is scheduled to receive $11.5 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding from the Department of Health and Human Services as part of the final disbursement of funds from the Fiscal Year 2008 LIHEAP account.

“Home heating oil bills are expected to soar this year, up as much as 30 percent nationwide, and these LIHEAP funds are critical to protecting low-income families from painful ‘heat-or-eat' decisions this winter. I will be working with my colleagues in Congress to quickly move to provide fresh funding to cover our region’s needs for the rest of the winter,” said Rep. Markey.

Earlier this week, Rep. Markey supported a House energy bill, H.R. 6899, that would create a funding stream for LIHEAP. The Senate is now considering a similar bill. Earlier this summer, Rep. Markey and nineteen other members of the New England Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, urging her to increase LIHEAP funding to $9 billion in a second economic recovery package.

Rep. Markey will continue fighting for LIHEAP funds as the House considers economic stimulus and government funding bills in the final days of session before adjourning later this month.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2008

CONTACT: Jessica Schafer, 202.225.2836