With winter coming, one of Rowan’s U.S. House of Representatives members is helping lead a 75-person group that’s advocating for the rapid release of low-income energy-assistance funding.

U.S. Rep. Alma Adams, D-12, joined 74 other house representatives this week in signing a letter advocating for a high federal funding level and rapid release of money used to pay energy bills for low-income people, seniors, veterans and the disabled. Adams is the only U.S. House representative from North Carolina to sign the letter, which is bipartisan. Seven Republican representatives from four states signed the letter. The remainder were Democrats from a wide swath of states.

The letter is addressed to Sylvia Burwell, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary.

In addition to Adams, other letter organizers include Reps. Peter Welch, D-Vt., Lou Barletta, R-Pa., and James P. McGovern, D-Mass.

“On overage, low-income families and seniors spend a higher proportion of their income to heat their homes, and for many states October marks the beginning of the coldest months,” the letter states. “During these tough economic times, this year’s electricity costs will be an even greater struggle for many families.”

The letter states timing is critical for the release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program money. The letter doesn’t state a specific dollar amount requested. Instead, it asked for the highest amount possible under the federal government’s continuing resolution, which largely keeps funding identical to prior years instead of a new budget.

A news release from Adams’ office about the letter estimated that $3.35 billion in low income energy funding was released for the 2015 federal fiscal year. The funding provided heating assistance to more than 6.6 million households and cooling assistance for more than 1 million households in the 2014 fiscal year, according to the letter.

“More than 223,000 North Carolinians rely on critical home heating assistance to keep warm during the winter,” Adams said. “This funding is particularly important for many low-income households, children, seniors and veterans who are struggling to pay their bills. With winter fast approaching and temperatures quickly dropping, I urge (Health and Human Services) to release this funding so that our families are not left out in the cold.”

In Rowan County’s 2014 fiscal year, more than 1,500 people received energy assistance through the Department of Social Services. Families received a combined total of $443,700 in the same year.

In a news release about the letter, U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Pa., said it’s unacceptable for people to choose between keeping warm or buying food.

“Time is already running short, as the cold weather has already begun in many places, so these funds should be released as soon as possible to protect people among us, particularly seniors and veterans, who depend on it for their very safety,” Barletta said in the news release.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.