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Bill would supplement LIHEAP to fund year-round energy assistance; committee hears testimony and lays bill over
Summary
House File 7 71 would provide state funding to supplement the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), expand seasonal eligibility into summer months (cooling season) and increase assistance to households; committee testimony emphasized rising arrears, public-health risks and program delivery constraints.
House File 7 71, a proposal to create a state supplemental grant to build on the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and to extend assistance into the summer cooling season, was laid over after a committee hearing featuring nonprofit, cooperative utility and state testimony.
Representative Kraft, the bill's sponsor, said the proposal would allow Minnesota to supplement federal LIHEAP funds, keep program seasons open through summer months to address cooling needs and provide paths to longer-term affordability such as weatherization. Supporters in the hearing included the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, the Minnesota Rural Electric Association, the Minnesota Valley Action Council (a community action agency that delivers LIHEAP in…
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