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The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program gave Iowa more than two times its typical yearly funding for the coming year.
The federal program serves to provide financial support to families nationwide who struggle with home heating costs. While Iowa was slated to receive $49.8 million for its annual allocation, the state also received an additional $78.5 million from the American Rescue Plan, totaling $128.4 million for the coming fiscal year. The amount is the largest sum the state has every received as part of the assistance program initiative since it was first established in 1981, according to the White House.
The increase in financial support is timely as natural gas company MidAmerican Energy told residents to expect an increase in heating costs between 46 and 96%, Iowa Capital Dispatch reported.
State Senate candidate Janice Weiner called on social media for Gov. Kim Reynolds to act swiftly.
“Let’s get this out to the people who need it promptly,” Weiner said in a Jan. 8 tweet.
Weiner is running for the state Senate seat in Iowa’s 45th District.
To qualify for the program, Iowans will need to demonstrate that their income is 200% or less than federal poverty guidelines. Funding can be used for both past-due bills and for current expenses. Applications opened in Novembe, and will be reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.
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