Rep. Lemmons Jr. offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 18.

A resolution urging the Congress and the President of the United States to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

            Whereas, When winter temperatures become frigid in Michigan and many other parts of the country, most people turn up their thermostats and use more energy to keep warm. However, low-income persons, the elderly, and the vulnerable in society do not always have this option when money is tight and other bills must be paid. In particular, low-income families in Michigan and other states with struggling economies face difficult choices; and

            Whereas, Energy bills impose a disproportionate burden on the poor. The elderly, disabled, and struggling families living on Social Security Income or Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) funds spend 20 to 26 percent of their income to pay energy bills. The energy burden for median income families is only four percent according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and

            Whereas, The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the most critical components of the social safety net. Community action agencies and advocates for the vulnerable in society have called for increases to LIHEAP for the past several years, as appropriations levels have not kept up with rising heating costs, rising poverty, and an ever-increasing aging population. LIHEAP, which has taken its fair share of budget cuts and only serves one of five people who need its assistance, should have its funding increased to help impoverished elderly and poor families meet their heating needs; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, that we urge the Congress and the President of the United States to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.