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Date: Thursday, Feb. 1, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215
President Clinton today directed the Department of Health and Human Services to release an additional $90 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds for states, territories and Indian tribes.
HHS had previously released $810 million for FY 1996, so LIHEAP funding that has been made available for this fiscal year now totals $900 million.
"Bitter cold temperatures across the country jeopardize the safety of millions of Americans," President Clinton said. "With these critical LIHEAP funds, states can now better ensure basic warmth for children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities."
Last month, while the government was shut down, President Clinton directed the release of LIHEAP funds to states. The cold weather and the reports of states running out of funds prompted him to direct HHS to release this additional support. Although HHS still has no final appropriation bill and the future of the LIHEAP funding remains uncertain, HHS has authority under prior law to grant the funds.
HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala said: "The severe winter weather has strained states' resources in helping needy families. President Clinton is determined to support states and prevent the tragic loss of life or home due to these emergencies."
LIHEAP provides funds to help eligible families with fuel costs and weatherization to insulate homes. States determine eligibility and benefit levels. In 1994, within the more than 5.6 million households that received benefits, 1.6 million included senior citizens, 1.1 million had a person with disabilities and 2.8 million were home to children under 18. States report that 70% of the households had incomes below $8,000 a year.
Following are the additional amounts being made available:
Alabama $ 770,665 Alaska 493,418 Arizona 376,056 Arkansas 589,830 California 4,120,361 Colorado 1,445,887 Connecticut 1,886,211 Delaware 250,357 District of Columbia 292,932 Florida 1,222,556 Georgia 967,052 Hawaii 97,387 Idaho 556,023 Illinois 5,220,706 Indiana 2,363,789 Iowa 1,675,249 Kansas 769,350 Kentucky 1,230,107 Louisiana 790,171 Maine 1,191,925 Maryland 1,444,248 Massachusetts 3,772,147 Michigan 4,939,527 Minnesota 3,570,952 Mississippi 661,629 Missouri 2,085,354 Montana 576,237 Nebraska 828,474 Nevada 175,575 New Hampshire 714,160 New Jersey 3,494,119 New Mexico 444,439 New York 11,430,739 North Carolina 1,688,287 North Dakota 624,693 Ohio 4,618,495 Oklahoma 657,058 Oregon 1,120,624 Pennsylvania 6,143,250 Rhode Island 618,794 South Carolina 613,913 South Dakota 479,874 Tennessee 1,246,073 Texas 2,034,838 Utah 666,884 Vermont 535,289 Virginia 1,759,255 Washington 1,796,542 West Virginia 814,056 Wisconsin 3,214,369 Wyoming 269,018
Note: Additional amounts are made available to Indian tribes and territories.