The LIHEAP Parity Act would amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to change how federal LIHEAP funds are allocated to states. The bill strikes existing statutory language in the state-allotment formula and replaces it with a simpler directive, with the goal of improving parity and accuracy in how allotments are calculated.
The bill also directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue regulations specifying the method used to calculate state allotments, including the data sources used by the Administration for Children and Families and how often those data sources must be updated. In effect, the legislation shifts more of the technical detail of the allocation formula into regulation while requiring that the method accurately distribute funds.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend 42 U.S.C. 8623(a)(2), the statutory provision governing LIHEAP state allotments, and would require HHS to formalize the calculation methodology through regulation. The practical impact would be on state governments and LIHEAP administrators, which rely on federal allotments to provide energy assistance to low-income households. The bill is intended to improve the fairness and accuracy of funding distribution among states by clarifying the data and update requirements used in the formula.
Sentiment
There is limited recorded debate or voting history available for this bill, so overall sentiment cannot be measured from committee discussion or roll-call votes. Based on the bill text and sponsorship, the measure appears to be presented as a technical and equity-focused adjustment to an existing assistance program, suggesting a generally supportive framing rather than a controversial policy overhaul.
Contention
No committee transcript or vote record is available in the provided materials, so specific points of contention are not documented. The most likely areas of debate would be the choice of data sources, how frequently those data are updated, and whether moving formula details into regulation could advantage or disadvantage particular states in the distribution of LIHEAP funds.
Human services: services or financial assistance; percentage of LiHEAP funds used for weatherization assistance; increase. Amends sec. 527a of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.527a).
Human services: services or financial assistance; percentage of LiHEAP funds used for weatherization assistance; increase. Amends sec. 527a of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.527a).
A resolution to urge the federal government to ensure continued funding, and reinstate staff, of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as they negotiate the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” so that Michigan can continue its Home Heating Credit Program.
Providing for regulation of large load customers and public utilities and for community benefits agreements between large load customers and community-based organizations; establishing the Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.