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Connecticut Receives $72M In Home Energy Assistance Aid

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released more than $72 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program money for Connecticut.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal

Photo Credit: Thomas Caine, file

The announcement about the money was made by U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy and U.S. Reps. John Larson, Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, Jim Himes and Elizabeth Esty.

“I applaud HHS for releasing this funding that will benefit over 100,000 Connecticut families. I will continue to fight to preserve this program from reprehensible cuts," Blumenthal said. “With winter weather around the corner, we must ensure that Connecticut homes are kept warm, and that families are never forced to choose between paying for energy bills and paying for other basic necessities.

“Not a single Connecticut family should have to bear the constant threat of losing their power because they can’t afford to pay overpriced energy bills,” said Murphy. “This $72 million of LIHEAP funding will be a lifeline to low-income families around the state, especially to the elderly, disabled, and veterans who might otherwise have to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table. LIHEAP is a public health program that truly saves lives.” 

The fluctuating cost of energy can be a source of anxiety for many Americans. 

"As we head into the winter months, we are always reminded that energy bills place a disproportionately large burden on low-income Americans, and we should do everything in our power to make sure that no one, regardless of income, has to worry about keeping their children warm. This LIHEAP grant will be a huge assistance toward meeting that goal,” said Himes. 

Esty agreed. “As we enter the coldest months, no family or individual should be forced to choose between buying food to eat and heating their home,” she said. “I applaud HHS for releasing these funds in a timely manner to provide energy assistance to low-income families and seniors across Connecticut, allowing those with the greatest need to prepare for challenging times ahead.” 

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