LIHEAP

Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that the Department of Health and Human Services released over $45 million in LIHEAP funding for New York State. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides a vital safety net for our nation’s low-income households. LIHEAP helps low-income families and seniors stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

During these difficult economic times this funding will make it easier for states and municipalities, who have seen increased demand for key services such as LIHEAP, increase. It will also make the choice easier for people who need to decide between medicine and paying their heating bills.

However, many families do not qualify for LIHEAP but still struggle with high home heating oil bills. This is why I have introduced the Home Heating Cost Relief Act, which will help middle class families struggling with the high home heating costs.

The Home Heating Cost Relief Act will provide a $1,000 refundable tax credit for individuals, $2,000 for families, to offset the cost of home heating oil, gas, and propane. This is a temporary, two year tax credit that will give middle class families the relief they need while Congress works to implement a long-term energy policy.

The bill will also create a low interest loan program that will provide up to $5,000, at 1 percent interest, to be used for weatherization. Many homes, particularly older homes, need new windows, new burners, and better insulation in order to be more energy efficient. The loan program will offer many homeowners the opportunity to make necessary home improvements in order to drive down their energy costs.

It's an honor and privilege to serve as your representative in Washington. I encourage you to utilize my office as a resource and stay in contact as it enables me to better represent the beliefs and values of our district. Please visit my website http://carolynmcccarthy.house.gov for more information.