WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), welcomed the release of funds to help Massachusetts families buy heating oil this winter. With Rep. Markey’s strong support, Congress approved $5.1 billion in overall funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in FY2009. Of that amount, the Department of Health and Human Services has announced that Massachusetts will receive $213.5 million, an increase of $87 million over last year’s funding.

Rep. Markey said, "After years of the Bush administration and Republicans in Congress squeezing our fuel assistance programs, I am proud that Congress was able to nearly double the program's overall budget and provide a critical boost for Massachusetts residents as we head into the cold fall and winter months.

"The double whammy of rising costs and economic uncertainty is hitting local consumers hard. With this increase in funding, hopefully no one in Massachusetts should have to make a heat-or-eat decision this winter."

Rep. Markey helped lead an effort to collect signatures on a letter sent last month to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA.), Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (D-WI.) and Appropriations Ranking Member Jerry Lewis (R-CA.) requesting that the LIHEAP program receive a funding level of $5.1 billion this year in any ‘continuing resolution' to fund the government. Rep. Markey was joined on the letter by 94 of his colleagues in the House. The Congress subsequently enacted legislation appropriating the full $5.1 billion requested in the lawmakers' letter.

In addition, two weeks ago Rep. Markey, who chairs the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, chaired a hearing which featured Governor Deval Patrick and explored both immediate and long term concerns about LIHEAP and efforts to help families cope with rising prices. More information about that hearing is available here: http://www.globalwarming.house.gov/pubs/?id=0058#main_content

 
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