The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released more than $863 million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) assistance nationwide, including $9,995,423 for Maine. Maine has now received $39,981,695 from LIHEAP this season, which is drastically lower than the amount it received last year. Michaud recently sent a letter to President Obama asking him to request $5.1 billion for LIHEAP's budget next year, which is a level that would represent full funding for the program.

Rep Michaud, who is working with New England's congressional delegation on a bill to address LIHEAP's funding shortfall said: "This funding is needed, but it's not enough. President Obama needs to request full funding from the start so that Congress is less likely to move forward with another deep cut to this critical program."

 A complete HHS list of additional LIHEAP funds available to states today can be found here.