Appropriations

House/Senate Appropriations Conference Approves $5.1 billion for FY 2010

December 9, 2009

The House/Senate Appropriations Conference Committee last night approved a conference report providing for a full year spending bill for FY 2010. The bill combines six spending bills including Labor/HHS. For LIHEAP, the bill includes $5.1 billion and allows states to again set their eligibility ceiling to 75% of state median income. The bill will also allow states to carry over funds from FY 2009 to FY 2010.

Of the total amount, $4.509 billion will go for the basic grant and $590.3 million for contingency funds. Of the funds provided for the basic grant, $3.669 billion will be allocated by holdharmless or Tier 1 part of the formula and $839.9 million by Tier 2 and Tier 3. This is the same formula that was used to allocate funds for FY 2009.

Note: the bill does not include a similar provision as was included last year that would require the Administration to release emergency funds within 30 days. There have been a number of press reports in the last few weeks that have stated that LIHEAP appropriations are being cut for FY 2010. This is not the case – the only difference is that the release of emergency is not being required. The same level of emergency funds is being provided. The bill is expected to pass Congress and sent to the President within the week.

Contact: Mark Wolfe, NEADA, 202-237-5199, mlwolfe@neada.org.