HR 715 IH

To require a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop a methodology for measuring the cost of living in each State, and to require a study by the General Accounting Office to determine how Federal benefits would be increased in each State if the determination of such benefits were based on such methodology.

February 14, 2001

Mr. TIERNEY (for himself, Mr. MOAKLEY, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. PALLONE, Mr. STARK, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. FRANK, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. ANDREWS, Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. MEEHAN, Mr. MENENDEZ, Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. NADLER, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Mr. OLVER, Ms. PELOSI, Ms. WOOLSEY, and Mr. WEINER) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, and Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

To require a study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop a methodology for measuring the cost of living in each State, and to require a study by the General Accounting Office to determine how Federal benefits would be increased in each State if the determination of such benefits were based on such methodology.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Cost of Living Measurement and Index Act of 2001'.

SEC. 2. STUDY BY BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS.

(a) IN GENERAL- To improve Government management and the economy, efficiency, and management of Government operations and activities that rely on accurate economic information, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics shall conduct a study to develop a methodology for determining the cost of living in each State, that accounts for the costs of housing, goods, and services.

(b) ELEMENTS OF METHODOLOGY- The methodology developed under subsection (a) shall include indices for measuring the cost of living in a State.

(c) REPORT- Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act the Commissioner shall submit to the Congress and the Comptroller General of the United States a report that contains the methodology developed under this section.

SEC. 3. STUDY BY GENERAL ACCOUNTING OFFICE.

(a) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study in which the methodology contained in the report submitted under section 2 is applied to determine how Federal benefits provided to beneficiaries in each State would be increased if--

(1) determination of such benefits were based on the cost of living in each State, as determined under the methodology; and

(2) the methodology were applied subject to a hold harmless provision, so that Federal benefits vary under the methodology only by increasing for beneficiaries in States having a higher cost of living, in proportion to such higher cost.

(b) INCLUDED FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMS- The study under subsection (a) shall include determination of increases in benefits provided under the following:

(1) The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.

(2) Section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, relating to the earned income tax credit.

(3) All Federal housing assistance programs.

(c) REPORT- Not later than 6 months after the date of receipt of the report from the Commissioner of Labor Statistics under section 2 the Comptroller General shall submit a report to the Congress that contains the following:

(1) The determinations required under subsections (a) and (b).

(2) A description of any additional data that should be obtained and considered to confirm or improve those determinations.

(3) Recommendations for any changes in the methodology developed under section 2 that would ensure more accurate determination of the cost of living in a State, including any appropriate changes in the indices that should be used to measure such cost.

(4) The anticipated costs to the Federal Government of using the methodology developed under section 2 in determining Federal benefits under the programs referred to in subsection (b), including any change in such costs that would result from implementing the recommendations under paragraph (3).

(5) Recommendations for any changes in law that are necessary or appropriate to ensure that the determination of Federal benefits provided to beneficiaries in a State is based on the cost of living in that State, except to the extent such determination would result in a reduction of benefits to beneficiaries in a State.

SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2002.

END