WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak and 113 other members of congress have urged President Obama to release emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. According to those legislators the $590 million is needed to address the needs of families and seniors struggling to heat homes this winter.

Stupak says the funding is vital to “areas like Northern Michigan where residents are facing both a harsh winter and a harsh economic climate.”

In December, President Obama signed into law legislation that included funding for LIHEAP, of which $590 million was dedicated to LIHEAP contingency funding. In 2009, 31,260 people in the First Congressional District received funds to help with home heating costs. Estimates say there has been a 20-percent increase in need since then.

“No one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table,” Stupak said.  “With the U.S. Department of Energy estimating natural gas prices will increase 32 percent in 2010, these emergency funds will be especially important to help those in need in Northern Michigan through the remaining winter months.”