SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Today, the Minnesota House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on HF 2493, authored by Rep. Larry Kraft (DFL – Saint Louis Park). This bill creates a supplemental energy assistance fund to expand the number of Minnesota households that receive energy assistance by supplementing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The bill aims to help an additional 18,000 households annually over the next five years.
“Nobody should have to choose between heating or cooling their home or providing for their family,” said Rep Kraft. “We know that Minnesotans in every part of this state need assistance to heat or cool their homes. High energy burdens are correlated with the risk of respiratory diseases, increased stress, and economic hardship. Reducing the energy burden on low-income households is the right thing to do for our neighbors.”
Executive Director of Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota, Annie Levenson-Falk; Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, Rosa Tock; and Community Development Director for Tri-CAP, Lisa Drew, all testified in support of the bill. The Senate’s companion bill is awaiting its first hearing. The bill was laid over for further consideration by the committee.
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