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 This letter was sent to all Senate members.

April 4, 2001

Dear Senator:

On behalf of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), I urge your support for Senator Bingaman's proposed amendment to the FY 2002 Senate Budget Resolution that would increase funding for the "Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program" (LIHEAP) to $3.4 billion. A similar provision in the Senate version of the bankruptcy bill enjoyed bipartisan support when it was added to that legislation.

NCSL supports funding increases in LIHEAP emergency and base funding as an important tool to assist those in need to pay their utility bills in the short-term. As a result of the colder than normal winter and higher energy prices, hard-working families and the elderly are struggling with higher utility bills. In fact, demand for LIHEAP funds has increased in every state this winter, but especially in traditionally warmer southern states. For example, the following states experienced dramatic increases in LIHEAP heating season caseloads for winter 2000-2001 compared to winter 1999-2000: Georgia: 97.7 percent, Louisiana: 91.9 percent, Mississippi: 50 percent, New Mexico: 100 percent, Oklahoma: 50.1 percent, and Oregon: 82.4 percent. In addition, if this summer is hotter than average, there will be increased need for cooling assistance. Therefore, given increases in energy costs and demand coupled with a potentially prolonged downturn in the economy, it is vital that you include the proposed increased allocation for LIHEAP in the FY 2002 Senate Budget Resolution.

Thank you again for your consideration of state legislatures' position on this very important legislative initiative. We look forward to working with you to ensure its enactment. For additional information, please have your staff contact Sheri Steisel at (202) 624-8693, sheri.steisel@ncsl.org or Eileen Doherty (202) 624-8687, eileen.doherty@ncsl.org in NCSL's Washington, D.C. office.

Sincerely,

Clifton Below
New Hampshire Senate
Chair, NCSL AFI Energy and Transportation Committee