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

Phoenix, AZ — Yesterday, 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 Climate Power Arizona State Director Diali Avila. “Forcing Arizonans to make the impossible choice between putting food on the table and cooling their home in 100-plus degree weather isn’t eliminating waste—it’s callous and cruel. For decades, LIHEAP has served as a lifeline for tens of thousands low-income Arizonans. Firing the program’s entire staff sends the message that President Trump doesn’t care if Arizonans already struggling to make ends meet are able to afford air conditioning this summer.”  

In fiscal year 2023, Arizona received more than $61 million from the LIHEAP, federal aid that helped over 27,000 households pay for cooling during extreme heat. That includes 20,523 households receiving cooling assistance, with an average benefit of $1,088 per household. In 2024, Arizona’s LIHEAP funding was cut in half, down to $30.9 million—even as climate change fuels longer, hotter summers and Phoenix breaks records for heat-related deaths.

Arizonans 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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