Expand the Michigan Energy Assistance Program

Each month, energy bill assistance ranks among the top three requested needs among all calls to United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline. Michigan residents have long relied on the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for utility bill assistance. MEAP provides funds to help low-income households afford energy costs and avoid harmful shutoffs. This is a vitally important and effective program, but many of those in need cannot access this assistance because they earn slightly too much to qualify. These are mostly working families living above the poverty level, but below the ALICE Survivability threshold — the amount a household must earn to cover the cost of a basic monthly budget. These households are particularly vulnerable, as an unexpected medical bill, car repair or loss in wages can trigger a financial crisis. For many of these Michigan families, short-term help with energy costs would go a long way toward getting them back to stability. Please join us in urging the legislature to expand MEAP eligibility to make it more accessible to Michiganders in need!

The Michigan ALICE Report shows us that one in three households aren’t earning enough to afford their basic needs. At United Way, we believe families shouldn’t have to make the difficult decision between putting food on the table or paying for heat. Offering support in a time of crisis is the key to helping households move toward stability.

That’s why we’re asking the Michigan legislature to pass House Bill 6075 and Senate Bills 353, 880 and 881, which would increase the MEAP eligibility threshold and secure necessary funding for the assistance program, both of which would be major steps toward ensuring all households in our community have access to affordable utilities.

As cold winter months approach, households across Michigan are counting on legislators to expand access to utility assistance. Join us in urging them to pass Senate Bill 353, 880 and 881 today!