Kuster Highlights Importance of Home Heating Assistance

As the cold winter months continue in the Granite State, U.S. Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, today hosted a roundtable discussion at Community Crossroads in Atkinson to highlight the importance of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for families in New Hampshire. Kuster discussed her commitment to protecting LIHEAP funding and heard about the local impact these heating assistance funds have for low-income families. Kuster was joined by officials from Southern New Hampshire Services (SNHS), ServiceLink, Community Crossroads, the New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning, and other Granite Staters who could be hurt by cuts to the program.

“During the brutal cold of the winter months in New Hampshire, the LIHEAP program provides essential heating assistance for vulnerable individuals and families across the state,” said Kuster. “I’ve long fought against cuts to this vital program, and this morning I was glad to hear firsthand from both LIHEAP providers and recipients about how critical this program is to keeping all Granite Staters warm. I will continue to work across the aisle to maintain adequate funding for this vital program, and I urge all Members of Congress to join me in the effort to keep low-income families safe during the freezing winter months.”

Kuster has a long history of support for the LIHEAP program. In January, Kuster called on Congress and the President to support funding for LIHEAP. In December 2014, Kuster joined U.S. Reps. Peter Welch, D-VT, and Peter King, R-NY, in sending a letter to President Obama urging him to increase funding for the program in his fiscal year 2016 budget request. LIHEAP funding in New Hampshire has been at historically low levels every year since 2008, with its steepest cuts taking place in 2013 due to sequestration. During the winter of 2013, Kuster also brought together members of the community during a visit to Southwestern Community Services in Keene to highlight the extreme importance of the program to New Hampshire residents.

As the designated Community Action Agency for Hillsborough County, SNHS administers LIHEAP funding, as well as weatherization assistance and other services to thousands of families across southern New Hampshire.

Submitted text and courtesy photo.