American Gas - May 2012 - (Page 18)

YOUR ASSOCIATION AT WORK ASK AGA Taking Action for LIHEAP AGA offers an inside look at a recent action day that promoted the importance of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP Action Day: Wednesday, Feb. 15 Twice a year, AGA partners with the National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN) to help host winter and summer LIHEAP lobby days. Advocates from all across the country travel to Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to increase and maintain LIHEAP funding. In 2011, the LIHEAP Action Days in February and August together drew more than 200 LIHEAP advocates from nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and utility and fuel oil companies. Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., (pictured on the far left), shows his NFFN Extra Mile Award while congratulated by employees of National Grid and Con Edison. More than 120 people participated in LIHEAP Action Day in February. Here, attendees gather to learn the plans for the day. BREE A. RAUM is AGA managing director, federal affairs. She encourages everyone to participate in the next LIHEAP Action Day, which will be held Tuesday, July 31 in Washington, D.C. For more details, email Bree at braum@aga.org. 18 AMERICAN GAS MAY 2012 (LIHEAP) is a block grant program under which the federal government provides states with annual funds for home energy assistance for low-income households for heat in the winter and for air-conditioning in the summer. After many years of underfunding LIHEAP, Congress fully funded the program at $5.1 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2009 and FY2010. Even at the $5.1 billion level, LIHEAP was able to serve only one in five eligible American households. Unfortunately, LIHEAP funding has been cut drastically—to $4.7 billion in FY2011 and less than $3.5 billion in FY2012. In February 2012, the Obama administration announced yet another cut to LIHEAP for FY2013. But great need remains: As a result of the economic downturn, the number of households eligible for LIHEAP in 2012 will continue to climb. T he Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program While Congress cut LIHEAP funding for FY2012, the case remains strong for $5.1 billion for FY2013. Further cuts would devastate families in need throughout the country. Just two days before our Spring LIHEAP Action Day this year, the Obama administration announced its proposed budget for LIHEAP for FY2013—only $3 billion, so we have our work cut out for us. Join me for a closer look at how LIHEAP Action Day unfolded: 7:55 A.M. It is LIHEAP Action Day! I thank the weather gods for a sunny February day. The weather is perfect for walking on Capitol Hill. 8 A.M. I take a deep breath and smile as 120

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - May 2012

American Gas - May 2012
Contents
President’s Message
In the News
Advertisers’ Index
Ask AGA
It’s Unanimous: Pipeline Safety Is Key
The Letter of the Law …
Places to Be
Jobline
Marketplace
Facts on Gas

American Gas - May 2012