Even though the record-long federal government shutdown has ended, funding for the energy assistance program that helps millions of low-income families heat their homes has yet to come through.
Last year, the funding was distributed to states by the end of October, and officials now say it may not arrive until the end of November.
Meanwhile, local agencies have been scrambling to find assistance as cold weather hits parts of the country and electricity costs balloon, a growing concern as more home heating now relies on electricity.
The delay prompted a Nov. 14 letter by U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) asking the Department of Human Services to hurry up.
The letter, signed by 31 senators across the aisle, said: “We request that you quickly release LIHEAP funds at the highest level possible, so that low-income households do not have to choose between paying for heat and affording other necessities like food or medicine.”
