Good evening, I would like to express my support for a year-round energy assistance program. For the last 3 years I've worked as a nurse case manager, and I review assessments that include health and social determinants. I have noticed that one of the contributing factors to health decline is noncompliance of medication adherence, which is often times secondary to financial stress. I have spoken with hundreds of patients over the last 3 years that are facing difficulty paying utility bills. Resources for assistance are very scarce, and rent has increased as much as $400 a month for some of my patients. Pandemic EBT has ended, and we have noticed an increase in food pantry referrals. Offering year-round energy assistance would alleviate a great deal of financial strain for many families. Thank you.