Washington, DC —
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today announced $100 million in emergency contingency funds to states, tribes and territories that will help families in need pay their heating and energy bills this winter. In addition, HHS will now make available up to 100 percent of states' remaining block grant funds -- which total $633 million --for a combined total of $733 million in available resources. These funds are administered by the Administration for Children and Families through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Of this funding, South Dakota will receive $629,140 to help low-income families afford their heating bills.
"I applaud the Administration for recognizing that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program requires additional funding to help low-income families afford their heating bills during this long and cold winter," Thune said. "This emergency funding will provide much-needed assistance to families across South Dakota who need it most.
"It is a shame that $2 billion in critical LIHEAP funding was blocked by Senate obstructionists before Congress adjourned in December, and I remain committed to fighting for additional funding when Congress returns later this month."
"I applaud the Administration for recognizing that the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program requires additional funding to help low-income families afford their heating bills during this long and cold winter," Thune said. "This emergency funding will provide much-needed assistance to families across South Dakota who need it most.
"It is a shame that $2 billion in critical LIHEAP funding was blocked by Senate obstructionists before Congress adjourned in December, and I remain committed to fighting for additional funding when Congress returns later this month."