Low Income Energy Assistance Program Block Grants Reform Letter

County of Santa Clam
Office of the Board of Supervisors
County Government Center, East Wing
70 West Hedding Street, loth Floor
San Jose, California 951 10
(408) 299-2323
(408) 683-41 1 5 FAX 298-8460

Midiael M, Uonda

Supervisor, First District

May 12, 1996

Honorable Charles Poochigian, Chairman
Assembly Committee on Appropriations
State Capitol, Room 2114

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: AB 2982 LfflEAP Block Grants

We are writing to urge your support of AB 2982, a bill which makes changes in regulations

governing Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Block Grants. LIHEAP is a

program that like many federal programs has experienced dramatic reductions in funding. While
AB 2982 does not increase funds available for LIHEAP services, it makes needed changes which
will ultimately improve service to the target population.

LIHEAP is in need of major reform. There are several reasons for the changes that are embodied

in AB 2982. Current California law regulating LIHEAP is over 15 years old. These regulations
are out of date. They do not take into account the magnitude of the reductions that LIHEAP has

experienced.

By bringing California law into conformity with federal law AB 2982 it removes unnecessary
restrictions which limit flexibility. Flexibility is needed because the of limited funds currently
available to meet the overwhelming needs in our community.

We must take steps to use remaining resources in a cost effective manner. AB 2982 recognizes
this and encourages it within the limits of federal law.

Sincerely,

Supervisor Michael M. Honda
Chair, Legislative Committee

Su

isor James T. Beall

"'^e-Chair, Legislative Committee

2-001
Document

A letter from Legislative Committe Chair Mike Honda and Vice Chair Jim Beall to the California Assembly Appropriations Committee urging supporting AB 2982 to reform Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grants.

Credited Supervisors

Collection

James T. Beall, Jr.

Content Type

Correspondence

Resource Type

Document

Date

05/12/1996

Decade

1990

Creator

Jim Beall
Mike Honda

Language

English

Rights

No Copyright: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/