Expansion of home energy program advanced

More Nebraskans could be eligible for assistance with their residential energy consumption under a bill advanced from general file April 28.

LB306, introduced by Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, would increase the eligibility threshold for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program from 130 percent of the federal poverty level to 150 percent. The bill also would require the state Department of Health and Human Services to allocate at least 10 percent of LIHEAP funds to weatherization assistance.

Brandt said the bill was a “no-brainer” that would help a projected 8,313 Nebraskans better manage extreme weather.

“Weatherization assistances programs enable low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills by making their households more energy efficient,” he said.

Senators advanced LB306 on a 28-5 vote.