Low-Income Home Energy Assistance: Legislative Changes Could Result in Better Program Management
HRD-90-165
Published: Sep 07, 1990. Publicly Released: Oct 09, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed block grant funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), focusing on possible congressional action to help the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the states better manage LIHEAP.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| To help HHS and the states better manage LIHEAP, Congress should consider forward funding the program, making funding available early enough in each year so HHS can notify states of the exact amount they will receive before they open their heating programs. |
Closed – Implemented
|
In November 1990, Congress passed P.L. 101-501 reauthorizing LIHEAP, which contained a provision adopting the suggestion for forward funding. |
| To help HHS and the states better manage LIHEAP, Congress should consider giving HHS some discretionary funding flexibility to enable it to quickly respond to unanticipated circumstances. |
Closed – Implemented
|
The 1991 and 1992 HHS appropriations laws contained provisions that set aside funds for emergency circumstances and established conditions to release these funds. The House version of the 1993 HHS appropriations law provides for continuation of the set-aside. |
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Topics
Block grantsDisadvantaged personsEnergy consumptionEnergy costsFederal aid to statesForward fundingPublic assistance programsState-administered programsHeatingLow-income home energy assistance