Economic Policy

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Ensuring Energy for Low-Income Households of Color

Today, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies released Ensuring Energy for Low-Income Households of Color.
Click here to read the 9-page brief.

Key points:

  • Many low-income Americans are forced to choose between energy and basic needs like food and medicine.
  • Black, Latino, and Native American households are disproportionately affected.
  • Recently, Congress has underfunded LIHEAP—energy assistance for low-income Americans. Only 20 percent of the households eligible for LIHEAP actually receive energy assistance.
  • Most LIHEAP households have a vulnerable member who is elderly, disabled, or a child age five or younger.