Aid for low-income heating backed by many, survey says

By Max Heuer
The Union Leader (Manchester, NH)
Wednesday, September 25, 2002

WASHINGTON -- A vast majority of Americans support an increase in funds for a program designed to keep low-income families and seniors warm through the coming winter months, a recent survey says.

Several Northeastern lawmakers gathered yesterday to tout the new survey as a potential bargaining chip for additional funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that helps low-income Americans pay their energy bills.

The annual survey, conducted by the Behavior Research Center, a polling firm, found that 78 percent of Americans believe it is more difficult now than five years ago for low-income families to pay energy bills, up from 67 percent three years ago; 78 percent said LIHEAP funding should be increased, and 31 percent of them said the increase should be "substantial." "The messages we are hearing could not be any more clear," said Rep.  Jack Quinn, R-N.Y., head of the Northeast-Midwest Congressional Coalition. "Americans believe in lending a hand when help is needed most."

"LIHEAP is one of the most important safety nets the government offers to low-income families" 2nd District Rep.  Charlie Bass said in a statement.

"This program provides critical fuel assistance to low-income families, and I will work to ensure that funding remains available in the coming fiscal year," 1st District Rep.  John Sununu pledged in a statement.

New Hampshire is set to receive $ 10.8 million to $ 13.2 million out of a total federal package that could range from $ 1.4 billion to $ 1.7 billion, said New Hampshire Fuel Assistance Program Manager Celeste Lovett.  Still, she said, the $ 13.2 million maximum was "bare bones."

Despite concerns over national security and war, most Americans realize the need for the LIHEAP program, said the survey, which interviewed 800 Americans.  It was commissioned by the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance, a lobbying group.

Among the figures included in the survey results: 72 percent of respondents said home heating help is too important to sacrifice for military spending; and 73 percent said it makes more sense for the federal government to pay winter heating bills of low-income and elderly people than pay for housing them in hospitals or shelters if they become ill or are forced from their homes.