BUFFALO (WBEN) - Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stood at St. John's Baptist Church in Buffalo Monday to urge Congress to deliver Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding in the next coronavirus relief package, which would "provide critical assistance for low-income households and seniors."
According to the National Energy Assistance Directors' Association (NEADA), one in five homes in the country is at least 60 days behind on the electric and gas utilities.
"The financial strain of the pandemic has hit New Yorkers hard, especially those living paycheck to paycheck. For months, cash-strapped individuals and families have worried if they can keep their lights on, warm their homes, and put food on the table. With unemployment remaining at record highs, Congress cannot wait to deliver vital relief," said Gillibrand. "LIHEAP is well-positioned to rapidly respond to, and support the needs of, households that are struggling to heat their homes this winter. Funding the program will provide a lifeline to New Yorkers in need and I will fight to ensure it's included in the next relief package."
According to Gillibrand, New Yorkers can spend more than $2,700 a year on energy bills. In a letter, Senator Gillibrand and more than 40 Senate Democrats are calling for at least $10 million in emergency LIHEAP funds during negotiations for the next coronavirus relief package.
