By AP
LANSING, MI –
State regulators are holding a hearing to discuss Michigan's possible loss of $75 million in federal funds for low-income heating assistance this year.
The Michigan Public Service Commission said Tuesday that it has set a public hearing for 10 a.m. March 10.
The hearing is required by Michigan law whenever a reduction in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program occurs.
The federal program is operating as if it will get the full $5.1 billion budgeted for national use, but $1.1 billion still must be approved. The current funding expires March 4, and U.S. House Republicans promise to cut up to $84 billion from nine appropriations bills, including heating assistance.
If the extra money isn't appropriated, Michigan will get $193.9 million instead of the $269.7 million it got last fiscal year.