Data Story: LIHEAP and Sequestration

FY 2010 Per-Capita LIHEAP Spending

This data story focuses on LIHEAP, one of many programs that would see reduced funding if sequestration goes into effect.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) subsidizes heating and cooling costs for low income households. The proposed FY 2012 budget requested $1.98 billion for LIHEAP, 62% less than the $5.2 billion it received in 2010. If Congress fails to enact $1.2 trillion in deficit reductions by December 23rd, LIHEAP will be further cut as part of the across-the-board spending reductions known as sequestration.

View federal LIHEAP spending since 1993, as well as notes and sources, here.