Rep. Cleaver Announces More than $75 Million to Help Missouri Families Cover Energy Costs This Winter

(Kansas City, MO) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) announced more than $75 million will go to helping hardworking Missouri families with energy costs this winter through the Department of Health and Human Services' Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As American families continue to deal with the impacts of the global pandemic, LIHEAP will be able to use the funding to help more than 120,000 Missouri households stay warm this winter, cover utility costs, and pay for energy repairs. These funds are in addition to the nearly $104 million Missouri families received in May from the American Rescue Plan to help cover energy costs during the summer months.

"LIHEAP has proven to be one of the most effective programs within the federal government—helping working class families keep the heat on during the winter and the air conditioning flowing in the summer," said Congressman Cleaver. "I've been a strong supporter of LIHEAP since arriving in Washington, and I was proud to support a substantial investment in the program through the American Rescue Plan earlier this year. This additional $75 million will give hundreds of thousands of families throughout Missouri the opportunity to receive assistance in paying utility bills and keep the heat on during the upcoming winter months. I highly encourage families in the Fifth Congressional District to reach out to my office or the Missouri Department of Social Services to see if they qualify for the program."

Families in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri who need assistance can contact Rep. Cleaver's office, call the Missouri Department of Social Services at (573) 751-3178, or apply online here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. A high-resolution photo of Congressman Cleaver is available here.