Aug 18, 2011

DETROIT, Aug. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Annie E. Casey Foundation yesterday released its annual report on child poverty and Michigan ranks 30th in the nation.  Overall, 36 percent of Michigan children live in a jobless household, and Michigan has more children living with a parent who is unemployed than 46 other states.

The Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm has been working to raise awareness among federal and state elected officials about the challenges many of Michigan's low-income residents will face if federal energy assistance funding is cut in half as proposed.  This study further validates the coalition's effort to raise awareness on the need to sustain funding.

Facts

• LIHEAP funds the majority of energy assistance that is available to Michigan's low-income households.
• Households with incomes at or below 150 percent of poverty or 60 percent of the state median incomes, whichever is higher are eligible for assistance.
• Of Michigan homes that received help, 20 percent had children under the age of 5.

To schedule an interview with a member of the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm, e-mail press@coalitiontokeepmichiganwarm.com.

SOURCE Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm