ICYMI: Trump Administration Cuts Will Raise Utility Costs for Low-Income Texans

Austin, TX — The Trump administration fired the entire staff working in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) within the Department of Health and Human Services, which has been helping low-income Americans save money on their utility bills since 1981. Congress previously approved $4.1 billion for the program for fiscal year 2025.

“Far too many Americans already struggle to pay their utility bills, and the Trump administration’s reckless cuts are making the problem infinitely worse,” said Western States Hub Director Tiffany Hsieh. “Forcing Texans to make the impossible choice between putting food on the table and heating and cooling their home isn’t eliminating waste—it’s callous and cruel. For decades, LIHEAP has served as a lifeline for tens of thousands low-income Texans. Firing the program’s entire staff sends the message that President Trump doesn’t care if Texans already struggling to make ends meet are able to afford air conditioning this summer.”  

In fiscal year 2023, Texas received more than $337 million from the LIHEAP, federal aid that helped over 120,725 households pay for cooling and heating assistance. That includes 47,945 households receiving heating assistance, with an average benefit of $3,204 per household, and 75,317 households receiving cooling assistance, with an average benefit of $2,280 per household. In 2024, Texas’ LIHEAP funding was cut down to $196 million—even as climate change fuels longer, hotter summers and cooler winters. 

Texans struggling to pay their utility bills will be directly harmed by the Trump administration firing LIHEAP’s entire staff. Families relying on box fans and window units can’t afford to lose this support. Cuts to federal health and energy programs don’t just impact the budget—they lead to more ER visits, missed work, and heat stroke deaths.

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