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UPDATE #2: Sebelius to Rep. Tierney: Yes - We WILL Revisit Our 2012 LIHEAP Request
We have been working with several of the most ardent supporters of LIHEAP to persuade the President to change the request BEFORE the Senate Budget Committee acts on its FY 2012 Resolution which sets limits for discretionary spending.
At noon today, in a tough hearing on HHS 2012 priorities, one of Community Action's strongest advocates, Rep. John Tierney (D-MA), asked HHS Secretary Sebelius whether the Administration would reconsider its Request to cut LIHEAP about 40% in the face of the high bills consumers face. She answered that, indeed, she would work with him to "revisit" the figure now that the price decreases forecast last summer were clearly not going to materialize.
The Budget documents argued that high energy costs in 2008 prompted a $1.9 Billion increase to $5.1 Billion and that the prices have now returned to 2007 levels; that case looks weaker every day.
As we informed our Hill supporters, fuel oil and electricity prices are now exactly the same as 3 years ago and natural gas, while 20% lower, is still rising. Use this link to keep up with month-to-month price comparisons to past year's energy costs. http://www.eia.doe.gov/EMEU/steo/realprices/index.cfm . Also, the hearing webcast will soon be posted at the House Education and Workforce Committee site. (It's primarily full of tough exchanges over health policy.)
Finally, we have conveyed your frustration and ours over the lack of LIHEAP cash flow, and Members are planning to bring it up with OMB and HHS separately.
 David Bradley Executive Director National Community Action Foundation
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