BILL ANALYSIS
By: Chisum
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
While more than four million Texans currently live at or 125 percent below the federal poverty line, only 4.3 percent receive assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Home energy assistance is especially important in Texas where the extreme heat threatens the elderly and young children. Due to the LIHEAP funds being distributed in an outdated manner and not according to states’ population, energy prices, and income data, there are not enough appropriated funds for the state. Also, current appropriations do not provide for timely services during the period after Congress approves funding and when Texas is notified of the final appropriation level.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
This resolution gives the background of LIHEAP and respectfully urges Congress to increase funding to the fully authorized level and include advance funds for LIHEAP and to pursue a more equitable funding allocation for the program.