Rep. McDonald Rivet Introduces Bill to Make Food and Energy More Affordable

WASHINGTON- Today, Congresswoman Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08) introduced the Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026. This bill would reverse cuts to food and energy assistance for low-income households.

"Working families across mid-Michigan are struggling to keep up with rising costs. Instead of helping them out, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act cut food and utility assistance that hundreds of thousands rely on, all to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy," said Congresswoman McDonald Rivet. "Our Affordable Food and Energy Act will reverse those senseless cuts and put more money back in the pockets of the families who can really use it."

Until last year, individuals who participated in both the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) were eligible for increased assistance. The Big Ugly Billrestricted eligibility for this program to only households with an elderly or disabled resident, cutting assistance for approximately 600,000 households. The Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026would reverse the change, allowing low-income families to receive full assistance.

The Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026is supported by the United Way of Midland County, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, the Michigan League for Public Policy, and the United Way of Southeast Michigan.

"United Way supports policies that strengthen household stability and prevent families from falling into crisis. When food and energy costs rise simultaneously, reducing assistance for working families creates real hardship," said Holly Miller, President & CEO of United Way of Midland County. "This legislation helps ensure that support reaches those who need it most and reflects the realities families are facing today. We appreciate Congresswoman McDonald Rivet's leadership in helping our neighbors."

"As Michiganders and people across the country grapple with high energy bills, we need action from our leaders to provide relief to those who are struggling the most," said Bentley Johnson, Federal Government Affairs Director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. "This critical legislation restores funding for heating and food assistance that was slashed in the Republicans' budget bill passed last year. We thank Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet for leading on this important legislation to make sure families have the assistance they need to heat their homes and feed their kids during the coldest months of the year."