WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Representative Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, welcomed the release of $7 million in funds to help Massachusetts families weatherize their homes, cutting back on energy bills and keep homes warm for many winters to come. The Department of Energy announced today that they will be releasing all $250 million in supplemental weatherization funds for the 2009 fiscal year, with the Bay State receiving the 8th most in the country from the funds.

"Weatherizing homes saves families money for a generation, and reduces the overall need for oil and other energy for heating and cooling," said Rep. Markey. "With a chilly winter and an even colder economic climate ahead, it's vitally important that we help families in need this winter."

Massachusetts is already slated to receive $213.5 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in FY2009, an increase of $87 million over last year's funding. This resulted from strong support from Rep. Markey and the New England delegation, which compelled Congress to approve $5.1 billion in overall funding for LIHEAP, along with an increase in weatherization funding.

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 along with a total of $250 million in funding for weatherization.

Rep. Markey will continue fighting for increased LIHEAP and weatherization funds as the House considers economic stimulus plans in a possible Congressional session later this month.

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