LIHEAP Staffing Support Act

The LIHEAP Staffing Support Act aims to strengthen the administration of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program by establishing specific staffing mandates for the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It requires the Secretary to maintain a minimum of 20 staff members dedicated to carrying out the LIHEAP program's functions. Furthermore, the bill imposes a limitation, stipulating that no more than 40 percent of the total LIHEAP staff may be contractors under normal circumstances. In the event of a declared emergency, the legislation mandates an increase to at least 30 staff members for a period of 180 days, beginning within 45 days of the emergency determination. During such emergencies, the Secretary is permitted to exceed the contractor limitation to fulfill the increased staffing requirement.