By Debra DeHaney-Howard
April 11, 2005

Augusta (GA) Mayor Bob Young participated in the American Gas Association's Annual Conference, where he urged delegates to press for action on increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — a block grant program under which the federal government gives annual grants to states. "Because LIHEAP is critical to the well being of low income individuals in Augusta and cities across the nation, Congress needs to fully fund it," Young said.

Young, who serves as Chair of the Conference of Mayors Energy Policy Committee, told the more than 150 delegates at the March 21 session that, "Eighty'six percent of those persons eligible for LIHEAP assistance — the poorest of the poor — are not receiving any relief at all."

Federal funding for LIHEAP has ranged from a high of $2.1 billion in 1985 to a low of $900 million in 1996. Today, LIHEAP is funded at $1.9 billion.

Young noted that, "The federal appropriation is not keeping up with demand, and the dollar is not stretching as far due to inflation." Speaking on the appropriation levels over the years for LIHEAP, Young stated, "The buying power of LIHEAP dollars is significantly less than when the program was established. According the government's Consumer Price Index (CPI) for energy, the 1982 LIHEAP appropriation of $1.9 billion would be equivalent to $3.3 billion in today's dollars — yet LIHEAP is only funded at $1.9 billion."

He noted that, "Federal funding has not kept up with inflation and that fewer dollars are available for those in need; and the situation today is compounded by high energy and gas prices across the board."

In concluding his remarks, Young pledged that, "The mayors will work with the American Gas Association and others to urge Congress to appropriate full funding for LIHEAP."