SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new state law will allow more people to get help from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The law will expand LIHEAP eligibility to people living in subsidized housing and anyone spending no more than 30% of their household income on rent. This change will also apply to people who pay for energy services through their monthly rent.

"I'm just looking to make sure that you don't have like four or five people living in the same house that are all getting the benefit because then that waters down the number of households that could get the benefit," said Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). "Right?"

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) said the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will only provide LIHEAP benefits to one person per household.

This plan gained strong bipartisan support and the new law will take effect on January 1. 

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