Iowa (RI) — Even though it’s summer, advocates are worried about a winter heating program for Iowans.
The Trump administration’s proposed budget includes eliminating funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Jean Logan, with the Community Action Agency of Siouxland in northwest Iowa, says LIHEAP is a very beneficial program that helps many tens of thousands of Iowans pay their utility bills.
Logan says almost $1.4 million was spent to help almost 2900 households in Woodbury County alone this past winter. Statewide, LIHEAP helped some 96,000 Iowa customers pay their winter heating bills last year. Logan also oversees a summertime cooling program through LIHEAP that provides window air conditioners and helps people get their utilities turned back on.
Logan says her non-profit only has about $2000 left in its coffers to help people through the summer.
Congress created LIHEAP in 1981 as a way to counter concerns about skyrocketing energy prices during the 1970s.
(Sheila Brummer, Iowa Public Radio)
KIWA Staff Photo
