United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) release of an additional $136,483,517 of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding to Massachusetts. This funding, which includes $204,725 for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, follows a letter sent by Senators Warren, Markey, and 38 of their Senate colleagues earlier this month calling on HHS to release LIHEAP funds as quickly as possible.

"Every family in our Commonwealth should be able to heat their homes and stay safe during the cold winter months," said Senators Warren and Markey in a joint statement. "While this additional LIHEAP funding will make a real difference for Massachusetts families who rely on federal aid to help cover their energy costs, more funding is needed for Massachusetts and other states experiencing extremely cold weather. LIHEAP is a key part of ensuring the safety and well-being of Massachusetts residents, and we are committed to supporting and strengthening this important program."

LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households and seniors with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months. More information about LIHEAP is available on the HHS website here. Recently, the Senators requested that the Appropriations Committee support the LIHEAP Emergency Contingency Fund in the next upcoming funding package, in order to allay higher home heating costs incurred after the Merrimack Valley natural gas disaster.