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Court backs LIHEAP and CSBG; local agency warns proposed federal cuts would eliminate funds
Summary
Hidalgo County Commissioners Court adopted resolutions supporting the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). HCCSA officials told the court that a proposed federal budget would zero out these funds, and they described local impacts and recent emergency assistance efforts.
Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved two resolutions on May 13, 2025 backing federal programs that provide energy and anti-poverty assistance: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Presenters from the Hidalgo County Community Service Agency (HCCSA) described the local reach of those programs and warned of federal budget cuts.
Jaime Longoria (presenting for HCCSA) told the court that the agency provides substantial direct assistance for utilities and other urgent needs. Longoria said HCCSA has supported thousands of households and that, under the proposed federal budget, LIHEAP funding could be eliminated. "The proposed budget, judge, as I understand it ... would completely zero out these federal funds," Longoria said. He provided program figures the agency uses to describe impact: HCCSA reported supporting 6,977 households to maintain essential utility services in one measure and serving more than 8,500 families across Hidalgo County in another; the presenter also cited that hundreds of families received aid after the county’s March downpour.
The court unanimously approved the resolutions and also authorized HCCSA contract amendments reallocating modest administrative dollars to direct services in state-administered LIHEAP contracts (amendments and dollar amounts were presented during the agenda and approved by motion). Longoria reported specific reallocation amounts for two contracts: $6,341.43 reallocated from administration to direct services for a FY25 contract and $6,198.95 reallocated for a FY24 contract (total contract amounts were cited during the meeting).
Longoria also highlighted CSBG emergency uses following a heavy rain event in March: HCCSA reported serving more than 1,050 families across several community locations and allocated over half a million dollars in relief, with additional funds available to support appliances and other recovery needs.
Ending: The court approved both resolutions and the contract amendments by voice vote. HCCSA asked the court to support continued congressional funding for LIHEAP and CSBG.
