OMB Opposes Increase for LIHEAP

The Office of Management and Budget has expressed it's opposition to the funding levels proposed for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the 2008 budget.

The House has proposed $2.66 billion for LIHEAP in 2008 and the Senate has proposed level funding at $2.1 billion. Both exceed the President's request of $1.8 billion in the 2008 Administration Budget. This issue is particularly significant since WAP receives nearly 10% of the national LIHEAP allocation each year through transfers made by states to support WAP activities.

The specific language in Statement of Administrative Policy can be found below.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Administration opposes the excessive increase above the President's request for LIHEAP. The bill provides $880 million above the request and exceeds the FY 2007 enacted level by over $500 million. The contingency fund level of $682 million is also well above historic levels for discretionary appropriations.


We will keep you informed as this issue develops.