Maryland OHEP receives $30.9M for utility bill assistance amid operational shortfalls

The Maryland General Assembly's Appropriations Committee convened on February 13, 2025, to discuss critical budget proposals impacting various state departments. A significant focus of the meeting was the proposed allocation of an additional $30.9 million for the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) to address bill assistance and operational shortfalls.

Committee members sought clarity on the reasons behind these operational shortfalls. Officials explained that previous administrations had not requested increases to utilize federal funding effectively. This year, the department aims to align federal funding with state appropriations, necessitating the additional request to ensure continued assistance for Maryland residents facing energy bill challenges.

Another topic of discussion involved the Department of Human Services and its handling of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) for individuals with disabilities. A delegate inquired about updates following a previous case of discrimination related to TCA. The department agreed to provide a follow-up offline to address the specific concerns raised.

The meeting also touched on data reporting issues, with members requesting updates on outstanding reports highlighted in the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) report. The committee expressed interest in understanding the significant budget increases in various areas, including the Office of the Secretary for Information Management.

Additionally, the committee discussed projected increases in TCA collections related to child support, forecasting a 10% rise that would contribute $17 million to the budget. Officials clarified that this increase is based on anticipated caseloads and collection amounts.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Maryland government's efforts to enhance financial support for vulnerable populations while addressing operational efficiencies within state departments. Further follow-ups and detailed analyses are expected as the budget discussions progress.