It’s been a big week in LIHEAP-world highlighted by the annual Capitol Hill gathering of LIHEAP advocates, release of additional LIHEAP funds and controversy about other funds allocated for LIHEAP redirected to help fund the response to the coronavirus. Buckle up, here we go……
ACTION DAY As covered earlier this week, the annual LIHEAP Action Day featured over two hundred advocates from over 35 states. Collectively, they met with hundreds of Congressional offices to help educate Members and staff about the impact of LIHEAP in local districts. We previewed the activities with NEUAC Executive Director Katrina Metlzer and Spire’s Connie Sanchez and spent the day with two first time delegates from Northern California. As always, it was an inspiring and impactful couple of days.
$381 MILLION OF LIHEAP FUNDS RELEASED Mark Wolfe with the National Association of Energy Assistance Directors flags today’s news that HHS today announced release of $381 million in LIHEAP funds, bringing the FY2020 total to $3.74 billion dollars. At this point, 99% of appropriated funds have been released. More details are at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/resource/liheap-dcl-second-funding-release
ABOUT THAT OTHER 1% OF FUNDS…. The Administration this week announced their intention to redirect $37 million in appropriated LIHEAP funds to support coronavirus response. Key LIHEAP advocacy groups including NEUAC and NEADA oppose that decision – we will post updates as they are available.
COMING UP ON THE BLOG Next week we will check in with Action Day participants to get their perspectives on the day and suggestions for colleagues who have not made the trip. We also will present a basic “explainer” on the Appropriations process, including a basic overview of how the calendar may play out for LIHEAP funding.
CONTACT US! Ideas for stories? Comments or questions? Always feel free to hit us up at info@liheap.org