| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Michael Gorges |
| February 11, 2000 | 202-225-3611 |
Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-Flint) praised the federal government's release of $4.681 million in low income heating assistance funds for the State of Michigan. This release was part of a nationwide release of funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funds were released on February 10, 2000.
Congressman Kildee recently spearheaded an effort with Congressman John Dingell (D-Dearborn) and Congressman Dave Camp (R-Midland) to gather the signatures of the entire Michigan delegation for a letter to the White House asking the President to release emergency home energy assistance funds to Michigan. This letter was dated February 4, 2000.
"I am pleased that the President responded to Michigan's urgent need for home energy relief," said Kildee. "I look forward to continuing to work with the entire delegation and the Administration to ensure that all Michiganders are kept warm this winter."
LIHEAP makes grants to states and Indian tribes to aid low-income and fixed-income households with high energy costs. States determine eligibility and benefit levels. Payments are sent directly to the energy providers.
The President is granted the discretion to release funds whenever extreme hot or cold weather, combined with high energy costs, threatens financial hardship for low-income or fixed-income families.