LIHEAP Reauthorization: Is the Time Right for a Formula Fight?

During reauthorization of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Congress and the Bush administration will need to address the issue of whether the allocation mechanism used to distribute LIHEAP funds should be revised. Defenders of the status quo argue that even debating this issue could destroy political consensus on LIHEAP and lead to reduced funding or abolition of the program. Proponents of change maintain the current formula is grossly inequitable.