Governor Shapiro and General Assembly Must Urgently Address the Crisis Following LIHEAP Firings

The Commonwealth needs to step up to protect vulnerable individuals and families in jeopardy of losing vital assistance with maintaining safe living conditions before summer heat moves into the state.  

On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made the shocking decision to fire everyone working on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps low-income Americans pay their energy bills. This program is a lifeline for people struggling with soaring energy costs. As energy costs are set to increase by up to 20% this summer, this abhorrent federal decision couldn't come at a worse time for Pennsylvanians. 

In Pennsylvania, 222,997 applicants received LIHEAP bill assistance in 2024. The stakes couldn’t be higher. These Pennsylvanians, which include families with children, elderly, and those with medical conditions, are at risk of dangerous situations if they cannot afford to cool their homes this summer. With the firing of the full LIHEAP staff, it is unlikely Pennsylvania will receive the remaining $20 million in authorized funds for 2024-2025.  

This is a matter of survival. Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly have a moral obligation to fill the gap. The Governor has joined other states and Attorneys General in suing the Trump administration for other cuts to HHS programs, arguing in court filings that these acts are “cutting off vital public health services.”  We urge Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly to take action to protect Pennsylvanians, as LIHEAP is also vital for public health.