Now that it's getting hot . . .

I just looked at how much of our LIHEAP funds are obligated so far this summer. LIHEAP is the funding source that provides energy assistance and crises assistance to help pay utility bills. The summer season started June 2 and we have just spent 80% of the funds we have available to get through September. From an administrative standpoint, we're using the money efficiently to spend down our allotment. From a human being, I'm really worried that it's just now getting really hot this summer and we aren't going to have any help available within a few weeks. We know that utility rates are going up and utility cutoffs are becoming more common but are ability to do anything about this is limited. Some in Congress are trying to help to deal with this crises with a quick bandaid of additional funds but even the recommended $120 million wouldn't take us but a few weeks further into the summer. I applaud Senator Collins and her 44 colleagues that are recommending this step and appreciate her interest in domestic spending. BUT, the real crises of poverty won't be addressed by pumping money into the system. As with most complicated problems, there are no quick fixes. Years of policy and denial have led us to our current reality, and longterm solutions that invest in preventive measures are the best hope for the generations that follow.