Maine to receive $38M in expedited federal heating assistance

The federal government is expected to release approximately $38 million in Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding to Maine ahead of schedule. U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King were among 31 senators who requested the expedited release from the Department of Health and Human Services to assist low-income households facing record-high heating oil prices, which have exceeded $6 per gallon.

MaineHousing will use roughly $4 million in leftover funds from the previous winter to provide immediate relief to approximately 4,400 vulnerable households. However, officials noted that the combination of federal funds and remaining state resources may not be as effective this year due to the sharp increase in energy costs.

In addition to energy concerns, Maine lawmakers are preparing to address federal healthcare and nutrition cutbacks. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau indicated that the legislature will aim to mitigate the impact of Medicaid work requirements and expired Affordable Care Act subsidies. Lawmakers are also considering using a $30 million SNAP contingency fund to bolster food assistance programs if necessary.