FEDERAL SHUTDOWN DELAYS HEATING ASSISTANCE FUNDS

The federal government shutdown is holding up critical funding for heating assistance, leaving thousands of Minnesotans in limbo as temperatures begin to drop.  The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications but without federal dollars, it can’t distribute benefits.  The Minnesota Department of Commerce says even if the shutdown ends soon, the funding may not arrive until November or later.  The state’s Energy Assistance Program helps around 125,000 households each year, primarily in greater Minnesota and among residents over age 60.