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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Scott Conklin |
  
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Conklin seeks to expand LIHEAP
Legislation would raise household income limit to increase participation
HARRISBURG, Aug. 25 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin today announced plans to introduce legislation that would expand eligibility for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Conklin said his legislation would raise the household income limit to qualify for LIHEAP from 150 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty income guideline, which is equal to $41,300 for a family of four.
LIHEAP is a federal/state program that helps low-income individuals and families pay for regular home-heating costs during the winter and for emergency furnace and other heating system repairs.
"Before long, temperatures will start to fall and home-heating costs will rise," Conklin said. "Many people who find it difficult to heat their homes in the winter still cannot qualify for assistance. It is imperative that we act now to demonstrate our commitment to our most vulnerable residents and ensure that they have the resources they need to stay warm this winter."
Conklin said his plan would dedicate a portion of the state's surplus to fund the expansion.
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