Economic Stimulus Leaves Behind Energy Assistance Program (Sen. Susan Collins)

The President’s signature on this economic stimulus package is welcome news. I am pleased that Congress acted quickly to reach a compromise on this bill which, I believe, will help to ease or avert a recession by putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most. The final bill also improves upon the original proposal by extending tax rebates to retired seniors, disabled veterans, and widows of veterans.

I am disappointed that the final bill did not include the provision that I coauthored with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to provide an additional $1 billion for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The high cost of energy is one major reason why our economy is strained and why low-income families and seniors are struggling to make ends meet. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that the LIHEAP program has the funds necessary to assist those who desperately need assistance with heating their homes this winter.