FEDERAL UPDATE: FY 2011 LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) FUNDING

Updated January 20, 2011

LIHEAP Funding in FY 2011 Continuing Resolution
On December 22, 2010, the President signed into law the latest Continuing Resolution (CR) passed by Congress that will fund government programs through March 4, 2011 (Public Law No: 111-322). While the CR provides funding for most programs at the FY 2010 enacted levels this CR provides additional funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to obligate the same amount of funds for LIHEAP as was obligated for this period during the last fiscal year. Estimates are that this amounts to roughly $4 billion or 80% of the total FY 2010 appropriation. In addition, the CR provides the administration authority to release emergency funds as well ($590.3 million in emergency fund authority). The provision is aimed at managing the fact that a majority of LIHEAP funds are spent during the cold winter months covered by this CR.

On January 12, 2011 HHS announced the availability of these new funds bringing the total LIHEAP funds made available since October 1, the start of the FY 2011 fiscal year, to $3.9 billion. A state by state allocation chart is below.

The following is the legislative language from the CR concerning LIHEAP.

Sec. 162. Notwithstanding section 109, of the funds made available by section 101 for payments under subsections (b) and (d) of section 2602 of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, the Department of Health and Human Services shall obligate the same amount during the period covered by this continuing resolution as was obligated for such purpose during the comparable period during fiscal year 2010.

On September 20, 2010 NCSL joined a broad coalition of organizations in signing onto a letter to congressional leadership urging funding for the LIHEAP program for FY 2011 at the current level of $5.1 billion. LIHEAP has been funded at its full authorization level of $5.1 billion for the last two fiscal years. To view a copy of the letter visit: http://www.ncsl.org/default.aspx?TabId=21355.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sheri Steisel, Senior Federal Affairs Counsel & Senior Committee Director, Human Services and Welfare
Sheri.Steisel@ncsl.org
(202) 624-5400

FY 2011 Cumulative LIHEAP Allocations Under the Continuing Resolutions