U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken worry that reduced federal heating assistance for poor Minnesotans will leave too many cold homes as temperatures begin to dip to traditional winter levels.
The Minnesota Democrats report that the program known as LIHEAP only has enough funding to serve 20 percent of eligible households. The two wrote a letter to President Barack Obama urging the administration to increase funding.
“During cold Minnesota winters, being able to heat your home isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” Klobuchar said. “No family should face the gut-wrenching choice between putting food on the table and keeping their kids warm.”
Franken added: “Last winter’s record-low temperatures reminded us just how important home heating assistance is to Minnesota families and seniors. LIHEAP eases the burden for many Minnesotans who need help to heat their homes, without forcing them to sacrifice things like food or prescription medicine.”
