Federal staffing cuts to LIHEAP will negatively impact local programs

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) —In an effort to reduce government spending, the Trump Administration eliminated 10,000 jobs within the Department of Health and Human Services, including positions responsible for managing LIHEAP. Local leaders are concerned about the future of the program due to the lack of federal personnel.

Tara Murray, the Executive Director of the Empowerment Opportunity Center in Decatur, said although they still have access to their funding, they now are trying to solve what happens when the fiscal year ends, and the funding runs out.

"Things are constantly changing, and each day we're not sure what to expect," said Murray.

The program year for LIHEAP ends August 15th, with funding set to distribute through September. LIHEAP distributes funds at the state level, then the state distributes funding to individual organizations.

Murray explains, "What we're looking at is the unknown of what happens after that, if there are no federal help or staff in place to renew contracts and allocate funds to the state."

Since LIHEAP funding is still available through the fiscal year, the Empowerment Opportunity Center is still accepting LIHEAP applications. "Anyone in the community who needs utility assistance right now can still come to us, and we'll be here and continue to do that all the way until August 15th this year," said Murray.

Although organizations still have access to LIHEAP funding, advocates like Citizens Utility Board's Director of Communications Jim Chilson worry about the long-term ramifications.

"Thankfully we've got funding, for the for this program year. There are no disruptions expected in the short term. But we do have concerns about the what the long term impact will be. And we're going to continue to advocate for a good program like like getting fully funded and fully staffed." Chilson said.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity gave the following statement to WAND News when asked about the future of LIHEAP services in Illinois.

"In response to the recent staffing cuts at the federal level for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) remains steadfast in our commitment to continuing the administration of this vital program.
LIHEAP provides critical services to over 350,000 Illinois households each year, and the uncertainty caused by these federal cuts creates insecurity in the homes of our most vulnerable residents. When the federal government threatens to undermine stability, it not only jeopardizes access to basic utilities but also stifles the economic opportunity for those residents.
DCEO is actively monitoring the ongoing situation, and in the meantime, we will continue to operate our program as usual alongside our network of community partners and local service agencies to provide resources to those who depend on this assistance."