To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Low Income Home Energy Assistance for fiscal year 2024.
Impact
The proposed funding cap could have far-reaching implications for low-income households dependent on energy assistance programs. By setting a specific funding limit, the bill risks understating the needs of those requiring support, particularly in the context of rising energy costs. Advocates for low-income populations have expressed concern that this limitation may exacerbate energy insecurity among vulnerable families, potentially leading to higher incidences of disconnections and further financial distress.
Summary
House Bill 2008 seeks to impose a limitation on the availability of funds for the Department of Health and Human Services, specifically targeting the Administration for Children and Families and its Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) program for the fiscal year 2024. The bill caps the funding for this program at $3,690,304,000, which represents a significant detail regarding the allocation of government resources to assist low-income families with home energy costs.
Contention
Debate surrounding HB 2008 is likely to center on the adequacy of funding for essential social assistance programs versus fiscal responsibility. Proponents of the bill might argue that the limit is necessary to manage government spending in a climate of economic uncertainty, while opponents might counter that the bill fails to recognize the essential need for robust support systems, particularly as many families face ongoing economic challenges. The nuances of local cost variations and differing state needs may also fuel discussion on whether a uniform funding cap is appropriate.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Refugee and Entrant Assistance for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Children and Families Services Programs for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Promoting Safe and Stable Families for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Social Services Block Grant for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Payments for Foster Care and Permanency for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Payments to States for Child Support Enforcement and Family Support Programs for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, The Administration for Children and Families, Payments to States for the Child Care and Development Block Grant for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Rural Health for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Family Planning for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration Maternal and Child Health for fiscal year 2024.