Hoosiers are struggling. Families do not have enough to cover basic needs while financial assistance programs are being eliminated. Recent surveys conducted by Indiana Universityâs OâNeill School of Public and Environmental Affairs inform us that 17 percent of families cannot pay their utility bills, with Black and Hispanic families hardest hit.
The U.S.Census Bureau reports that nearly 30% of Hoosier households are struggling to meet basic household expenses. At the same time, data compiled by the National Energy Assistance Directorsâ Association shows that utility debt is growing significantly as we are heading into the winter heating season. Total utility debt is expected to be more than $24 billion by the end of this year, which is more than three times what it was last year.