NEW HAMPSHIRE TO RECEIVE REMAINDER OF FUNDING FOR HOME HEATING AID PROGRAM

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that New Hampshire will receive $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a critical home heating assistance program that will help families and seniors in need stay warm this winter.  The payment from HHS to New Hampshire’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the last the state will receive for Fiscal Year 2012. It brings the total LIHEAP funding issued to New Hampshire for Fiscal Year 2012 to $26 million.

“I’m glad this funding has been released quickly enough to help the many vulnerable citizens in New Hampshire who need help keeping warm during the remaining winter months,” Shaheen said.  “For thousands of families and individuals across the state who are in need, this funding will help provide immediate heating assistance.” 

“We’re pleased that this official funding will continue to support our efforts to help those in need in New Hampshire in these difficult times,” said Joanne Morin, Director of the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning.

Shaheen has opposed efforts by the Obama Administration and Congress to cut funding for LIHEAP, and has called on the Administration to release funding to the states as quickly as possible.