ICYMI: Trump Cuts Will Raise Utility Costs for Thousands of Vulnerable Michigan Families
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Lansing, MI — In the latest assault on our nation’s most vulnerable citizens, the Trump administration last week 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 Michigan families already struggle to pay their utility bills, and these reckless cuts will make the problem even worse,” said Michigan State Director Luke Tonat. “Slashing a program that Michiganders rely on has dangerous consequences: without support for utility bills, Michigan families will freeze in winter and overheat in summer, leading to ER visits, missed work, eviction and even death.”
In fiscal year 2023, Michigan received more than $287 million from LIHEAP —federal aid that helped over 431,000 households. That includes:
- 430,777 households received heating assistance during winter months, with an average benefit of $202 per household.
- 171,149 households receiving year-round crisis assistance, with an average benefit of $812 per household.
Vulnerable Michiganders rely on the protections of LIHEAP, including older adults, families with small children, and people with disabilities.
For fiscal year 2025, Michigan’s LIHEAP funding went down to $166 million —even as energy costs rise and Michigan families are forced to navigate unpredictable and extreme weather. Now, with the whole staff managing LIHEAP laid off, the fate of the program and Michiganders’ ability to access this vital assistance is even more uncertain.
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