Take Action – Ask Congress Not to Leave Older Americans Out in the Cold!
Action Requested: Call Congress today at 1-800-928-8626
This summer, oppressive heat waves in the Southeast and Midwest killed at least 67 people across the United States (with more than two dozen also dead in California). Many were seniors who could not afford to run their air-conditioners during the hottest days of the year.
Although summer has ended, we need to continue advocating for low-income Americans who cannot afford to pay high utilities bills in the summer and winter, leading to needless deaths. The only federal assistance for energy bills is the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills in times of extreme weather.
Congress is currently considering how much LIHEAP funding to include in the FY2008 appropriations bill. The House of Representatives has approved a $500 million increase for LIHEAP, but the Senate version of the bill contains no increase in funding. Moreover, President Bush has threatened to veto any bill that passes.
As heating oil prices continue to rise - and the cold 2008 winter months approach - millions of famillies will find the cost of heating their homes almost impossible to meet. A lack of adequate funding will force many vulnerable families to choose between paying their utility bills and buying basics like food and medicine.
Will you help? AARP expects the LIHEAP funding fight to heat up in late October. Call Congress today at 1-800-928-8626! Tell your Representative to support the $500 million LIHEAP budget increase.
