WASHINGTON (September 21, 2010) – Late yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released $101 million in home energy assistance, which would include $4.2 million for Massachusetts families. The money released yesterday, which are emergency funds from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), come at a pivotal time for Massachusetts and American families following a record-breaking summer cooling season, and before the winter heating oil crunch for New England families – all during a time of high unemployment as the economy recovers.

Rep. Ed Markey (D-Malden) previously led a letter with 114 House Members calling for the release of all LIHEAP emergency funds.

“These funds will give already-struggling Massachusetts families one less thing to worry about,” said Rep. Markey, who this year received the Extra Mile Award from the National Fuel Funds Network and the “Joe Moakley” award from the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) for his work on LIHEAP. “Now that we’re done sweating through the summer, low-income families shouldn’t have to sweat about keeping their families warm throughout the winter.”

LIHEAP helps eligible families pay for home heating and cooling costs, as well as helping weatherize eligible families’ homes. This year, more than 9 million low-income households across the country are projected to receive assistance under LIHEAP.

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