News Releases for March 2006
March 17, 2006
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Hoeven Commends Administration, Congress for Supporting Additional LIHEAP Funding
BISMARCK, N.D. - Gov. John Hoeven today commended the U.S. Congress and the Administration for adding $1 billion to the Fiscal Year 2006 allocation for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The President supported the effort and is expected to sign the measure soon. It could mean more than $2.7 million for North Dakota in formula funding this season, with an additional $3.4 million beyond that possible in emergency funding. The funding passed as part of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agency appropriation bill.
When Congress failed to provide additional funding to maintain program eligibility last October, Hoeven directed state Human Services officials to work within the agency’s budget to maintain the program at current eligibility levels. The Governor noted higher fuel costs and previous flat funding, as well as congressional delays in passing an appropriation.
In November, he met in Washington, D.C. with senators, representatives and administration officials to secure additional funding. He urged support from both lawmakers and administration officials to restore funding to adequate levels, and worked with private utility companies through the North Dakota Commerce Department’s Division of Community Services to provide consumers with energy efficiency programs and incentives.
“LIHEAP has always been a federal responsibility, and we worked to get additional funding,” Hoeven said. “This assistance is important to our low income residents, and we will continue to encourage the federal government to support the program next year.”
E-mail comments to the Governor
