WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama wants to cut $2.5 billion from a $5 billion home heating aid program for the poor, a person familiar with his 2012 budget proposal said Wednesday, halving the popular fund as he looks for places to rein in federal spending.

The proposal would cut the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to its 2008 level of about $2.5 billion.

The person discussed the details on condition of anonymity because Obama’s spending outline has not been formally released.

The White House plans to send the proposal to Congress on Monday.

The plan is for the budget year beginning Oct. 1.