The Trump Administration and Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey are engaged in a public dispute regarding the timely release of funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As winter approaches and energy costs rise, Healey has called for immediate action from President Donald Trump to distribute the much-needed heating assistance to low-income families.
The conflict escalated following a written statement from Andrew Nixon, Communications Director for the Department of Health and Human Services, which criticized Healey for blaming the federal government for the delay in funding. Nixon referred to Healey’s actions as a “complete disgrace,” asserting that she should apologize to her constituents for the government shutdown that has hindered the release of LIHEAP funds.
“Governor Healey continues to blame the Trump Administration for the delay, rather than acknowledging responsibility within her own party, which held the government hostage during the longest shutdown in American history,” Nixon stated. He emphasized that despite these challenges, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is working to expedite the distribution of LIHEAP funds.
In response, Karissa Hand, a spokesperson for Healey, criticized Nixon’s comments and challenged the effectiveness of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in addressing the needs of Americans. “Instead of name-calling, Secretary Kennedy needs to do his job,” Hand asserted, underscoring that his focus should be on improving healthcare access rather than deflecting blame.
Congress has appropriated $4.025 billion for LIHEAP under the Continuing Resolution (H.R. 5371), with the ACF indicating plans to release a total of $3.7 billion in funding. This amount includes $3.6 billion from the regular block grant for fiscal year 2026 and an additional $100 million from supplemental funding. The Department anticipates that these funds will be accessible by the end of the month.
“I want no more excuses,” Healey stated in a recent press conference, urging Trump to ensure that LIHEAP funds are released promptly. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting, “It is unacceptable that Massachusetts families are going without heating assistance that they are due from the federal government.”
Healey has also reached out to Secretary Kennedy and Russell Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, urging them to authorize the maximum possible LIHEAP funding. Her calls for action have resonated with some members of the state’s federal delegation. Democratic Congresswoman Lori Trahan expressed her support on social media, highlighting the struggles faced by over 300,000 residents in Massachusetts due to the funding delay.
A recent report by the Fiscal Alliance Foundation claims that state climate policies are largely responsible for rising energy costs in Massachusetts. However, Healey has publicly disagreed with these findings.
As the cold months draw near, the clash between the Trump Administration and Governor Healey underscores the critical need for timely assistance to vulnerable populations facing increasing heating costs. The outcome of this political standoff may significantly impact the welfare of thousands of families in Massachusetts and beyond.
