Kelly, Candelora Statement on Governor’s Insufficient Energy Assistance Plan

Lawmakers to receive briefing on administration’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allocation plan today.

HARTFORD – Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) and House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) are calling out the Governor’s administration for an insufficient Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) allocation plan which will be discussed at a legislative briefing today.

The Governor’s allocation plan anticipates $79 million in federal funds, a decrease of more than $50 million from last year; representing a 40% cut.  This amount is also lower than pre-pandemic LIHEAP levels.

Earlier this year, Senate and House Republicans called for a special session to deliver additional energy assistance, calls that were rejected by the Democratic legislative majority.

“At a time when families are struggling with historic inflation and soaring energy and home heating oil costs, CT Democrats are failing to deliver the relief people need,” said Kelly and Candelora. “The anticipated federal funds fall far short of the amount needed to maintain energy assistance our poorest families received last year, let alone cover the impact of skyrocketing home heating oil and energy prices our families face this year. Our Democratic leaders in Washington have failed to take care of Connecticut residents’ basic needs. Meanwhile, Connecticut Democrats are waiting for dysfunctional Washington to bail us out instead of taking action and adopting solutions within their power to protect Connecticut families.

“When we had record-breaking surpluses in state revenues, Senate and House Republicans called for some of that to augment the LIHEAP program and help working and middle class families struggling to afford their energy bills. CT Democrats called us irresponsible. They believe that money is better served in the bank than on heating people’s homes when they are cold.  We continue to demand action by our state to take care of our families struggling as Washington fails to act.”

A public hearing on the LIHEAP allocation plan is scheduled for Monday, August 29.