Assistant Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Katherine Clark, who represents Waltham and the rest of Massachusetts' Fifth District, announced Wednesday that the state will receive $13 million in federal funds to bring down heating and cooling costs.

These investments will support the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which assists eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, weatherization, and energy-related home repairs.

"According to some estimates, over 400,000 Massachusetts residents are 90 days late on their energy bills," Clark said in a statement. "Rising costs are forcing families to choose between necessities like heating and energy bills, and groceries and medication – it's unacceptable."

"Today, I'm proud to announce that the Commonwealth will be receiving $13 million through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help families pay their energy bills and weatherize their homes to bring down costs for years to com," she continued. "As we continue to deliver for Massachusetts families, House Democrats remain focused on lowering costs across the board to give every American family a fair shot at success."

Clark has been a leader in the fight to increase funding for LIHEAP, including authoring letters to the Biden Administration calling for greater funding for the program and urgent investments to address the current spike in oil prices due to the war in Ukraine.

The funding announced today represents the fourth round of LIHEAP assistance over the past year. In total, Congressional Democrats have secured $325 million in energy assistance for Massachusetts households since last May.

---
Original story HERE