In the News
ICYMI: President Biden directs $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to lower energy bills for working families
Yesterday, President Biden announced that $100 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) would be invested to directly help working families pay their outstanding heating and cooling bills.
The BIL funding will send $5,785,953 to Florida, the third-highest amount of any state in the country. When combined with funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and the most recent Continuing Resolution passed by Congress, Florida will receive a total of $176,407,065 in relief funding to address the onerous cooling bills that working Floridians face.
“This funding is a direct investment in Florida’s working families who have been dealing with excessive energy costs for far too long,” said Florida Democratic Party spokesperson Travis Reuther. “Nobody in Florida should struggle to pay their cooling bills at the end of the month simply for protecting the health and wellbeing of their family.”
Read more from the Biden Administration below:
- The $100 million is the first installment of the five-year, $500 million investment in the program provided from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. With historic investments from the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Continuing Resolution, the Biden-Harris Administration has spearheaded the largest distribution of funds over a 12-month period since LIHEAP was established in 1981.
- Low-income households expend three times more of their income on energy costs than more affluent households. This funding moves the needle on energy justice – improving the equitable distribution of assistance.
- “Millions of working families are experiencing unusually high heating and cooling costs, and it is important that we provide them with the support they need,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “I will continue to work with President Biden to protect the health and well-being of all families in need and help lower their energy bills.”
- Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance can search for their local LIHEAP intake agency or office using HHS’ map of LIHEAP Local Agency Locations. Alternatively, they can contact the Florida office, or contact ACF’s Office of Community Services for assistance at 1-866-674-6327. Please visit the LIHEAP website or read the LIHEAP brochure in English or Spanish to get more information.
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