The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released an additional $1 billion for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for FY2006.
Minnesota's share will be over $29 million, according to U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.) in a press release.
In a separate press release, U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) was pleased Congress approved the funding earlier this month, but is disappointed that it will not be enough to cover every eligible Minnesotan.
"Though it falls far short of our state's overall needs, I am pleased that Congress approved $1 billion in additional LIHEAP funding," said Dayton. "This aid will help Minnesota's neediest families and seniors cope with their bills and get through the rest of the season."
So far this heating season, 145,859 of Minnesota's 450,000 eligible households have received heating assistance from LIHEAP on available funds of $81.6 million.
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The additional $1 billion brings total LIHEAP funding to $3.16 billion for this heating season. Dayton says that nearly $2 billion below the federally authorized level.
