"Our nation is currently in the midst of an economic downturn. A sluggish stock market and the sub-prime housing crisis have seriously harmed the livelihood of many Americans. Underserved families are especially feeling the pinch.

"In the coming weeks, President Bush and Congress will be working to implement a short-term economic stimulus package aimed at putting more dollars in the pockets of Americans.

"Any stimulus package must include a release of LIHEAP funds. These funds will help our nation's most at-risk families with their home heating costs and will free up more resources for other day-to-day living expenses.

"The average family spends six to seven percent of its total income on household energy, but a LIHEAP-eligible household has reached 20 percent of its total income on energy alone, leaving less money for other necessities, such as food, shelter, and health care.

"Over 844,000 New Yorkers rely on the LIHEAP program each year. These families are forced to make the difficult decision between heating their home and putting food on their tables. These decisions become far more difficult with the economic hardship facing our nation today.

"Last week, President Bush released $450 million in LIHEAP funds to assist low-income families. While this action is welcomed, I believe the president must release the remainder of these funds and fully fund the LIHEAP program.

"Currently the LIHEAP program is funded at $1.98 billion for state funding, less than half of the $5 billion Congress has authorized for the program.

"The LIHEAP program works to not only protect our nation's vulnerable, low-income populations, but to stimulate the economy by freeing more household income to pay for other necessities, increasing worker productivity through healthier families and reduced stress levels, and by supporting utility companies in not only providing energy but also working to ensure America's energy independence.

"I urge my colleagues and President Bush to fully commit federal resources to the LIHEAP program and to release the remainder of this year's funds to assist our families in this time of economic hardship."