BANGOR – U.S. Rep. John Baldacci announced Wednesday that he is urging President Bush to increase funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program as the president prepares his budget for fiscal year 2002.

In a letter to the president, Baldacci joined approximately 60 House members in outlining the importance of federal fuel assistance and in calling for increased funding.

“LIHEAP is a program that works, helping more than 4.4 million of America’s most vulnerable families as they struggle to make ends meet.

“Furthermore, LIHEAP is a model program that America can be proud of … This is a program that truly does reach those in need – our seniors, working families, single-parent families and families with young children,” Baldacci and his colleagues wrote.

The House members are seeking $2 billion in LIHEAP funding for the next fiscal year, along with $300 million in emergency resources.

Additionally, they are asking the president to include these amounts in advance funding for fiscal year 2003.

Advance funding provides time for states to set income guidelines and benefit levels and determine the households that will be served.