LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed five largely bipartisan bills into law Tuesday that aim to lower utility costs for Michiganders and make it easier to pursue a vocational degree.
“Today, I signed commonsense, bipartisan legislation to support families by expanding eligibility for energy bill assistance, increasing flexibility for students using an MET account to pay for their education, and more,” said Whitmer.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Bill Package
Senate Bill 353, Senate Bill 880 and Senate Bill 881 are a package of bills that aim to lower utility bills for Michiganders by increasing eligibility and funding for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).
Senate Bill 353 will change the MEAP eligibility of households to 60% of the state median income instead of the current 150% of the Federal Poverty Level beginning on Oct. 1, 2025. The legislation also removes a provision that prohibited more than 30% of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Fund (LIEAF) from being used outside of the MEAP's crisis season from Nov. 1 through May 31.
The bill also builds new requirements and powers for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), including requiring them to "prioritize providing energy assistance to vulnerable populations." DHHS will also be allowed to establish guidelines for verifying the eligibility of applicants.
Senate Bill 880 also adds new requirements and powers to various government and public entities surrounding MEAP and LIEAF. The new legislation requires that the amount of money in the LIEAF fund be reported yearly on Dec. 1 to the Michigan House and Senate. It also allows the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to increase funding rates for LIEAF. The bill also limits a utility company's ability to opt out of funding LIEAF.
Senate Bill 881 amends Public Act 3 of 1939 to support changes made by Senate Bill 880.
“This legislation will help more Michigan families keep their homes warm, their lights on, and their energy bills manageable,” said state Senator Veronica Klinefelt (D-Eastpointe). “By helping residents access tools to pay their energy bills on time and take advantage of energy efficiency services, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also setting up folks for long-term savings and sustainability.”
All three bills passed the Senate with some bipartisan support while passing mostly along party lines, with heavy support from Democrats, in the House.
Financial Aid for Higher Education
Senate Bill 1001 aims to expand the eligibility of students to access the Michigan Education Trust by allowing funds to be used for qualified vocational schools, trade schools and more. The bill uses a definition of "qualified tuition program" from the Internal Revenue Code to expand this eligibility to schools outside of colleges and universities.
The bill also aims to give students and their families more flexibility in applying for refund payments under certain conditions.
"Students should be able to pursue a career pathway of their choice without letting financial hurdles get in the way. By opening more options for Michiganders to pay for skilled trade school, we will help aspiring nurses, computer programmers, mechanical engineers, and many others make their dreams a reality,” said state Senator Rosemary Bayer (D-West Bloomfield). “I’m proud to sponsor this smart, commonsense legislation that puts Michigan in line with federal standards, addresses the significant professional trades shortage we have here in this state, and ensures fair access to funding for all students. Thanks to Gov. Whitmer for signing Senate Bill 1001 into law!”
The legislation was passed with unanimous support in the House and Senate.
Utility Securitization Charges Amendment to Public Service Commission Act
Senate Bill 504 amends the Public Service Commission Act to exempt companies that agree to long-term contracts with state utility companies and remain on their in-state grid to be exempt from securitization charges. The bill was authored to support Hemlock Semiconductor, which recently announced 180 permanent advanced manufacturing jobs in Saginaw.
The legislation was passed with heavy bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
“With winter just around the corner, Michiganders are still juggling high costs and a competitive job market. These bills will put money back in people's pockets, helping them heat their homes during the colder months or pay for their education as they look forward to the new semester. Let’s keep working together to lower costs and help people get the basics they need, so everyone can ‘make it’ in Michigan," Whitmer added.
