Trustee raises concern about HHS staffing cuts and potential impact on LIHEAP services

Trustee Porter told the board on April 3 about a national policy development affecting the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). She read from a letter indicating that congressional Democrats had demanded an explanation from HHS leadership after an announced workforce reduction.

Porter said HHS had announced significant staff eliminations and that Senate Democrats were questioning how the department would continue to deliver services appropriated by Congress. She said the changes could affect LIHEAP operations, which provide heating and energy assistance to low-income residents.

Porter urged Hanover Park residents to contact their local, state and federal representatives to express concern and to ask that HHS staffing that supports LIHEAP remain in place, saying the program can be “life and death” for some households.

The trustees did not take action at the meeting on federal policy; Porter's comments were a call for civic engagement and constituent outreach rather than a municipal policy decision.