ICYMI: As federal staffing cuts hit HHS, Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable families face extreme weather with uncertain assistance

Washington, D.C. – This week, the entire federal staff responsible for overseeing and administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was laid off. LIHEAP helps low-income families pay to heat and cool their homes, make emergency heating repairs, and prevent utilities from shutting off their service. The firings came at almost the exact moment that Pennsylvania leaders of both parties were encouraging  Pennsylvanians to race to apply for the assistance.

Without any staff to administer the program, there are serious concerns about whether funding to Pennsylvania for the current fiscal year will be available to help families avoid utility shutoffs coming out of the winter months. The state has still not received roughly $20 million in LIHEAP funding authorized by Congress in March. Future funding to protect people next winter would also be in question.

“These are real lives on the line. Families relying on help to keep their utilities on and to deal with emergencies like broken heating equipment can’t afford to lose this support,” said Elizabeth Marx, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP). “For many, cuts can mean freezing in winter and sweltering in summer, leading to ER visits, missed work, family separation, and eviction.” 

In fiscal year 2023, Pennsylvania received more than $334 million from LIHEAP —federal aid that helped over 312,789 households. That includes 312,165 households receiving heating assistance, and 98,771 households receiving winter crisis assistance with an average benefit of $1,005 per household. Among the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians needing the protections of LIHEAP are older adults, families with small children, and people with disabilities.

In fiscal year 2024, Pennsylvania’s LIHEAP funding went down to $212 million —even as energy costs rise and climate change fuels more unpredictable and extreme temperatures. Now, with the whole staff managing LIHEAP laid off, the fate of the program and Pennsylvanians’ ability to access this vital assistance is even more uncertain. 

Experts like Elizabeth Marx of PULP (emarx@pautilitylawproject.org) are available for interviews and additional background. 

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