FYI

I got this through the HHS website.......


Date: March 1, 2005
For Release: Immediately
Contact: ACF Press Office
(202) 401-9215

Headline: HHS PROVIDES ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION TO STATES FOR ENERGY
AID

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today released an
additional $50 million in emergency funds to be provided to states
and
territories from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP).

The money is designed to help low-income families pay their energy
bills.

"Given the rising costs of energy, and extended cold spells
throughout many
parts of the nation, this aid will make a positive difference for
many
low-income families," said Assistant Secretary for Children and
Families Dr.
Wade F. Horn.
"President Bush is making sure these families are able to pay their
energy
bills."

Today's announcement uses contingency funds made available by the FY
2005
omnibus appropriations bill. The $50 million is over and above the
$1.6
billion states have received so far this season, plus $100 million in
emergency funds last December and an additional $100 million in
January.

Each year, LIHEAP helps more than 4.5 million low-income families
across
America pay the costs of heating their homes in the winter and
cooling their
homes in the summer.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP assistance should
contact
their local/state LIHEAP agency or click on the agency directory at
www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/liheap/directry.htm. The directory can
help people
locate the state office that administers LIHEAP in communities
across the
country.