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On March 16, President Trump released his proposed fiscal year 2018 federal budget. With large numbers of low-income families seeking assistance this year, the Trump administration has recommended eliminating spending on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). That represents a $3.39 billion decrease from the fiscal year 2016 Continuing Resolution levels.

President Trump’s budget will now be submitted to Congress and sends a message on the priorities that the President would like to pursue.  After Congress receives the budget, it will be dispersed to various committees where it will be reviewed and reprioritized.  It is during this time in committee that Senators and House members have the opportunity to add or remove program funds. It is important to note that the President’s Budget is largely symbolic and faces many obstacles including Republican and Democrat Senators and House members with state constituencies that will be hugely impacted.

APGA has recently signed on to an open letter from the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), to congressional appropriations committees asking them to increase the amount of LIHEAP funding for fiscal year 2018. APGA members are also encouraged to support this letter that can be found at http://neuac.org/advocacy/2018-all-parties-letter/.  At the same time, APGA continues to push for full funding at the authorized $5.1 billion level.

For questions on this article, please contact Todd Brady of APGA staff by phone at 202-464-2742 or by email attbrady@apga.org.