** Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Community Development Block Grants, and the Northern Border Regional are all slated for elimination in President Trumps FY 2018 Budget**
(Washington, DC) – Yesterday, the Trump Administration released its FY 2018 budget which includes the complete elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Community Development Block Grants, and the Northern Border Regional Commission.
Congresswoman Annie Kuster, D-NH, expressed her serious concern about the impact of the elimination of these programs on vulnerable New Hampshire populations and economic development in rural parts of the state.
“It’s unconscionable that President Trump would single out programs for elimination that are so important to the most vulnerable Granite Staters and Americans,” said Kuster. “The complete elimination of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is particularly egregious and will harm low-income seniors and families who rely on this lifeline during the cold winter months.”
Kuster continued, “We’ve seen the success of programs like the Northern Border Regional Commission and Community Development Block Grants in spurring economic development programs throughout our state and in particular rural parts of New Hampshire.
“The last thing we should be doing is eliminating effective programs that create jobs and boost our economic competitiveness. I intend to oppose these misguided cuts and will fight for programs important to New Hampshire’s residents and economy.”
The budget proposed by President Trump would:
- Eliminate the Community Development Block Grant Program
- CDBG provided $9,208,375 to New Hampshire in 2015 to support affordable housing, spur economic development, and create jobs
- Eliminate the Northern Border Regional Commission
- New Hampshire received $1,800,000 in 2016, which leveraged $19,557,067 in private investment
- Included funds for the Groveton Mill redevelopment, the Littleton Riverwalk and other economic development projects in New Hampshire’s North Country and other economically challenged areas
- Eliminate the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- LIHEAP provided $25,749,807 in 2015 to help Granite State seniors and families stay warm during the winter