Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that New Mexico will receive $497,532 in emergency Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds. Today's announcement brings the total LIHEAP funding for the state this fiscal year to $11.63 million.

Bingaman has long been an advocate of LIHEAP because it assists qualified families, disabled individuals and seniors on fixed incomes cover energy costs. Bingaman, along with a bipartisan group of Senators, is calling for an increase of at least $2.5 billion in emergency funding for LIHEAP in the Continuing Resolution bill that will fund federal government programs until spending measures are passed through Congress.

"High energy prices and a struggling economy have made it difficult for many families to pay their gas and electric bills. The funding released today will help many New Mexico families stay warm this winter," Bingaman said.