Tag Archives: liheap

Last February we had a great time hosting the kickoff of LIHEAP Action Day. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical dollars to low-income Americans struggling to heat and cool their homes, a particularly daunting task in the face of an economic downturn.

That event was a great success and the National Fuel Funds Network is already gearing up for the next one. Vivian sent me this the other day.

Registration is now open for the National Fuel Funds Network’s LIHEAP Action Day, February 10, 2010 in Washington, DC. Please hold the date on your calendar and plan to join delegates from across the country in the Nation’s Capitol to kick-off advocacy for $5.1 billion for LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2011.

For the past seven years, NFFN’s LIHEAP Action Day has proven to be a very effective event to convince Congress to increase the LIHEAP funding.  In order to continue this success, we need your participation.

NFFN’s LIHEAP Action Day will begin with a breakfast briefing at 8:15 am and end with a reception 4:30 on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.  The NFFN will also provide a central gathering place on Capitol Hill, talking points and background information, expert advice and training in lobbying for LIHEAP and a diverse group of participants.

We expect representatives from fuel funds and other nonprofit organizations, consumer advocacy programs, utility and fuel oil companies and associations, and local, state and Tribal governments. Action Day advocates will fan out over Capitol Hill with a uniform message for legislators – provide needed LIHEAP funding.

There is no charge for registration. We will update registrants on the legislative situation and other developments between now and LIHEAP Action Day.

NFFN is currently finalizing arrangements for discounted hotel rates and will notify all Action Day registrants as soon as arrangements are final.

For more details, please contact NFFN Executive Director George Coling, 202-824-0660, coling@nationalfuelfunds.org.

AGA Chairman Tom Skains spoke on Capitol Hill today alongside Members of Congress and activists to urge Congress to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) so that low-income Americans are not faced with the decision to “heat or eat.”  LIHEAP, a program that has been woefully underfunded, assists disadvantaged Americans in paying their heating and cooling bills.  Especially during this downturned economy, securing funds for this program is critical.

Along with Mr. Skains, speakers at the press conference included LIHEAP recipient Victoria Seals of Jackson, MS; National Fuel Funds Network Chairperson Sue Montgomery; Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN-8); Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY-4); Rep. Gene Green (D-TX-29); Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH-2); Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH-1); and Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL-1).

AGA Chairman Skains explains to Congress why funding LIHEAP at a minimum of $5.1 billion is imperative.

Rep. Gene Green speaks as Reps. Bobby Rush, Carol Shea-Porter, and Paul Hodes look on.

Last week AGA’s chairman Tom Skains spoke about the National Fuel Funds Network’s LIHEAP Action Day. There’s a lot of excitement at the AGA offices this morning because that day has arrived. Everyone dressed just a little more nicely than usual and you can sense a different smell in the air as we welcome these volunteers into our offices. The volunteers began flowing in early for a quick breakfast and briefing of the day’s events.

For those that don’t know, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides critical dollars to low-income Americans struggling to heat and cool their homes, a particularly daunting task in the face of an economic downturn. Approximately 200 nonprofits and utility representatives are gathering today on Capitol Hill to advocate for LIHEAP’s inclusion in the stimulus bill, as well as $5.1 billion for FY 2010. The timing couldn’t be more crucial as the Senate removed $1 billion in funding in their version of the Economic Recovery bill.

One of the things that really struck me is as I was grazing after the morning talk, I ran into David Fox, executive director of the National Low Income Energy Consortium, and he was saying something to the effect of, I don’t think many people stop to think how close they are to being in the position to need this type of assistance, especially in these economic times. That’s probably more accurate than most of us want to acknowledge.

You can learn more about LIHEAP at liheap.org. There’s a great video there that I’m adding to the AGA YouTube channel. I’ll embed it below as well.

You can also read the release by AGA asking Congress to help families through LIHEAP funding.

We’ve posted some pictures below but you can check out the full set on Flickr at the AGA photostream.

A packed house getting ready for the day.

George Coling, executive director of the National Fuel Funds Network pointing the way to Congress. At least $5.1 billion in LIHEAP funding in 2010.

AGA’s own Charlie Fritts greeting volunteers…

as they line up to grab cabs.

AGA chairman Tom Skains and AGA President and CEO Dave Parker listen attentively to the morning briefing.