In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to supplement existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments and provide utility assistance payments for households who do not currently meet the income requirements for LIHEAP but still need assistance covering the growing cost of utilities.
 
LIHEAP is a vital resource for low-income households across the Commonwealth and uses federal funds to provide this assistance. My legislation would provide a dollar-for-dollar state match on LIHEAP awards during the 2026-27 LIHEAP season beginning in December. This would double each household’s benefit amount during the cold winter months when they need it most.
 
Further, my legislation would expand who receives utility assistance by providing a one-time emergency $200 payment to households with incomes between 150% and 250% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG). The LIHEAP program only applies to households at or below 150% of FPIG and this expansion would allow additional families to receive much needed benefits.
 
To fund these payments, I am proposing a $500 million transfer from the Rainy Day Fund. While I understand that the Rainy Day Fund is intended to support the Commonwealth in case of emergencies – I would argue that the emergency is now. Families across the Commonwealth are already struggling to make ends meet and utility costs will continue to rise as temperatures plummet.
 
I hope you will join me in providing these families relief from growing utility costs.