Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has publicly called on President Trump to quickly release funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which offers essential aid to over 150,000 households in her state to manage heating costs during the winter. The federal funding for this program, typically available by early November, was delayed due to a federal government shutdown. Though the government has since reopened, the Trump Administration has notified states that LIHEAP funding will not be available until the end of the month.
In a statement from Governor Healey published by the Massachusetts state government website, she emphasizes the urgency of the situation, asserting, "Every year, thousands of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities struggle to afford to heat their homes during New England's bitter cold winters." She further criticized the continued delay as "unacceptable," especially as the holidays approach and temperatures drop.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell added her voice to the issue, stating, "Our low-income residents – including seniors and working parents – should not be left in the cold due to the Trump Administration's political games," as noted by the state's official website. Governor Healey's leadership in demanding immediate action received commendation from Campbell to ensure all households can remain warm and safe.
With many residents depending on LIHEAP, house Speaker Ronald J. Mariano described the administration's delay as "simply unacceptable," and Senate President Karen E. Spilka accused the Trump administration's actions of deliberate cruelty. Spilka said in her statement that the approach is to punish people, "including many who voted for Donald Trump, by threatening to make them endure the cold," as reported by the Massachusetts government website. She joined the call for the immediate release of these vital funds.
In the absence of the federal funds, Healey's administration has been relying on leftover federal funding from the previous year to manage heating emergencies. A heating emergency is defined as circumstances such as having no heat, a utility termination notice, less than 1/8 tank of oil, or less than three days' supply of other fuels. Families in crisis are urged to contact their Local Administering Agency for assistance.
Facing this year's prolonged government shutdown, the Department of Public Utilities has extended the utility shut-off moratorium for the winter of 2025-2026. Contrasting with the typical mid-November to mid-March period, it will now span from October 27, 2025, to April 1, 2026. This broadened timeframe includes customers serviced by major gas and electric utilities, along with, for one of the few times, Municipal Light Plant customers. The directive is clear: utility companies must refrain from shutting off heating service for residents proving financial hardship, with additional programs available for those struggling with rising costs.
