Winter is setting in across Minnesota. At the same time, thousands of Minnesotans are at risk of not being able to afford to keep the heat on because the federal government shutdown has halted funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). A CURE-led coalition of 18 organizations from around Minnesota, have sent an urgent letter to Governor Walz’s administration calling for immediate action to shield Minnesotans from the severe consequences of this crisis. Even after the shutdown ends, there will be a lag in this life-saving assistance of weeks or even months, and so state action is needed until this funding is fully restored and available to Minnesotans.
What’s Happening?
LIHEAP normally provides critical federal funds to help low-income families and individuals keep their homes warm and safe. These funds, distributed to states starting in early November, have been suspended due to the federal shutdown. Last year, Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP)—which relies on LIHEAP—received $125 million, supporting over 120,000 households. Nearly 75% of EAP recipients include seniors, young children, or people with disabilities. Without this funding, vulnerable Minnesotans face the risk of losing access to essential heating during the harsh winter months.
Why It Matters
The suspension of LIHEAP funding is a manmade disaster that will hit families least able to cope. Rural and tribal communities, as well as federal workers who don’t qualify for LIHEAP and have missed paychecks, are especially at risk. Many are making impossible choices between food, medicine, or heating their homes. While some utilities and states have issued moratoriums on shutoffs for LIHEAP recipients, current measures do not go far enough to protect everyone affected. Utility shutoffs won’t protect people who heat their homes without utility service, so additional emergency funding is essential to pay for heating in rural areas.
What We’re Asking Governor Walz to Do:
- Mandate all Minnesota-serving utilities—including municipals and cooperatives—halt shutoffs until LIHEAP funding resumes and the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is able to distribute assistance.
- Mandate all utilities suspend late-payment and reconnection fees for the duration of this crisis.
- Direct at least $3 million in emergency funds into the Reach Out for Warmth program—a needs-based emergency fuel fund—for households that rely on delivered propane, fuel oil, or wood as their primary heat source.
Take Action: Tell Governor Walz to Keep Minnesota Families Safe & Warm
Now is the time for decisive state action to ensure no Minnesotan is left in the cold. Add your voice and demand Governor Walz and his administration protect our communities during this crisis.
