Call to Action: Tell Congress to Increase LIHEAP Funding
Posted on August 31, 2016 by Samuel Pastrick
Tags, Energy
Today CUB is asking you to call your Congressional Representative right now and ask them to increase funding for the Low-income Heat and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Let me tell you why.
As I write this blog I am sitting in front of an open window enjoying a refreshing break in our hotter-than-normal summer and I am struck with the realization that soon I will be shutting my home up tight and turning on the heat. Fortunately, I am not worried about paying the electric bill in the upcoming winter. There was a time, however, when as a single mother of 5, it was a terrifying and discouraging thought.
Now CUB has always and still does encourage everyone to consume less through conservation and energy efficiency. In fact, Oregon ranks third in the US for investments in efficiency. But the truth is that while CUB fights day in and day out to keep your utility services affordable, accessible, reliable, and clean, we realize that for some (and at one time that included me) even our hard work is not enough.
That is why, at the national level, there is a program for those who need help. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is federally funded, but distributed by the states. Oregon provides this assistance through Community Action Agency programs located in each of our 36 counties.
Unfortunately, according to statistics provided by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), the funding for this program was cut by more than 1/3 between 2009 and 2015. In fact, while 35 million households are eligible for LIHEAP, only 6.5 million are served. And I can tell you from experience that life is hard enough without having to worry that your heat will be turned off when you need it most.
I am blessed. I never had to ask for LIHEAP assistance because I had a safety net of family members who made sure my heat did not get turned off. But there are literally millions of others who are not so lucky.
That is why I am personally asking you to help create a ‘thunderclap’ of activity today by calling your Congressperson right now. You can also spread the word by sharing this blog on social media. Your response could quite literally keep the heat on for someone you know; some hardworking, contributing member of society who (due to circumstances beyond their control) is facing a utility turn-off. Someone like me.
To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter! You can also keep up to date with breaking news by joining our email list today!
09/05/22 | 0 Comments | Call to Action: Tell Congress to Increase LIHEAP Funding