Rep. Vasquez Secures Critical Funding to Lower Utility & Heating Bills for New Mexicans This Winter

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)and U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.)and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)announced that the administration had officially released overdue funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), following the delegation's successful push demanding the immediate release of the funds. This relief comes as New Mexico families prepare for colder temperatures this winter amidst sharply rising energy costs.

Rep. Vasquez led the New Mexico delegation in calling for this funding to be released last week, underscoring that families across the state have been hit with an average 8.1 percent increase in utility costs this year alone.

On December 2, the New Mexico Human Services Department received its award letter and notified the New Mexico delegation that the LIHEAP funding is now on the way to help thousands of New Mexico households keep the heat on this winter. This award letter came after a month-long delay, which is what prompted the New Mexico delegation's demand for the funding's immediate release.

"Too many New Mexicans are already feeling the squeeze of rising utility costs, and they should never have to choose between staying warm and putting food on the table," said Vasquez. "We demanded action, and I'm proud that this critical funding is now on the way to cover rising costs so that seniors, veterans, working parents, and families in rural and Tribal communities stay safe and warm this winter."

"New Mexico families deserve the support to weather the winter with dignity," said Congresswoman Leger Fernández."It shouldn't have been this hard to unlock the funding that Congress had already appropriated to keep our kids, our elders, and families warm in our snowy winter months. While the Trump administration keeps pushing prices up, we will continue fighting to lower energy costs for everyone."

"As winter approaches and the temperature drops, so many struggling in our community face the impossible reality of having to choose between heating their homes versus putting food on the table and countless other needs," said Rep. Stansbury. "This should never be a reality in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, but unfortunately is all too common for so many families. I am grateful the Administration has finally released critical LIHEAP funds after the NM delegation demanded they do so. But, it never should have come to this-which is why we will continue fighting for our communities."

"As temperatures drop and energy costs continue to rise, New Mexicans need reliable support to keep their homes warm and their families safe. With prices up across the board, no one should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table," said Senator Luján."I'm glad that after we demanded the Trump administration immediately release funding for this critical program that keeps New Mexican families safe, the funds are now on their way."

"New Mexico families are being subjected to increasing utility costs due to Trump's energy affordability crisis. Working families deserve affordable heat and reliable power - especially as temperatures drop far below freezing at night," said Senator Heinrich. "That's why I fought alongside the New Mexico Delegation to release the funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that help New Mexico families access affordable heat and power."

The released LIHEAP funding will be administered through the New Mexico Human Services Department and will help eligible households cover heating costs, prevent utility shutoffs, and avoid dangerous winter conditions.

Rep. Vasquez's work to lower utility costs for New Mexicans is a core component of his Affordability Agenda- a concrete plan to make life more affordable for working class New Mexicans. He has also stood up against the administration's reckless policies that are raising utility bills, including the Department of Energy's decision to cut $135 million for next-generation energy projects in New Mexicoand the Republican tax law that cut incentives for energy projects in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires.

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