Governor Baldacci's letter to Maine's Congressional Delegates regarding additional Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding
November 16, 2007
Dear Senators Snowe and Collins and co»n Allen and Michaud:
I thank you for your support on seeking additional Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in the FY2008 Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agl:ncies Appropriations bill (H.R.3043). However, as Congress begins to reconsider the measure following the President's recent veto, I urge you to seek to retain increased funding for LIHEAP at the level of $1.98 billion for the regular LIHEAP program as well as at least $431 .585 million in contingency funding for energy emergencies. Maintaining the modest increase in contingency funding is vital to protecting Maine's most vulnerable, low-income households - a large portion of which are elderly -- that are facing unaffordable heating oil bills.
As home energy prices continue to rise dramatically, at least 20 percent over last year's prices, increased LIHEAP funding is critical. Maine has taken numerous measures to reduce the cost ofthe program and to stretch scarce federal dollars. However, the rising cost of home heating fuel has severely eroded the purchasing power ofthe LIHEAP dollar. This year it is estimated that the average benefit will decrease as more than 48,000 are expected to seek and qualify for LIHEAP funds.
Lastly, if home heating oil prices continue their upward trend, I urge you to monitor the process that could trigger a release of heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Should that point be reached, I am hopeful that you will petition the President and urge the release and sale of some of the reserve.
Again, I thank you for your past support for this vital program and urge you to provide increased FY2008 funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance. This issue has always enjoyed bipartisan support, and I look forward to working closely with you to ensure that Maine people are safe and warm.
Sincerely,
John E. Baldacci
Governor
