Bill Text: HI HB739 | 2010 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: TANF Funds; Allocation of Expenditures
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-1)
Status: (Enrolled - Dead) 2009-05-11 - Carried over to 2010 Regular Session. [HB739 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2010-HB739-Introduced.html
Report Title:
TANF Funds; Allocation of Expenditures
Description:
Details how the legislature will spend TANF funds, emphasizing direct payments to families, employment training, teenage pregnancy prevention, and keeping families intact.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
739 |
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TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
PART I.
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii is experiencing difficult economic times. In February 2008, a respected local economist commented that "[a]ll indications now are for slower growth in Hawaii's near future." Real impacts were felt soon after this prediction. On March 31, 2008, after sixty-one years of operation in Hawaii, Aloha Airlines announced the discontinuation of its passenger service; on April 2, 2008, ATA Airlines announced the discontinuation of all operations after twenty-five years of operation; and on April 5, 2008, Molokai Properties Limited (commonly known as Molokai Ranch), with a history spanning one hundred forty-five years, announced its closure.
On March 30, 2008, one of Hawaii's daily newspapers noted, "Hawaii mortgage delinquencies ratcheted up last year and show no indication of slowing this year as economic growth weakens, inflation remains strong and home values flatten." The department of business, economic development and tourism, in its latest estimates, anticipates a twelve per cent decrease in total visitor arrivals, as compared to April of last year.
Clearly, these are difficult economic times. Hawaii's economy has slowed substantially, and the State's expenditure of temporary assistance for needy family funds must not only account for this economic slowdown, but maintain reserves in anticipation of a continued financial slump.
The legislature finds that the best approach is to continue supplying essential health, education, employment, and economic assistance while preserving an adequate reserve of funds. While maintaining cash reserves for future expenditures is imperative, so too is the continued provision of necessary support programs. Such programs will yield healthier families, more productive employees, and, eventually, a stronger economy.
SECTION 2. The legislature finds that it is imperative to continue providing monthly cash benefits to families for food, clothing, shelter, and other essential items. Monthly cash benefits are not only imperative for a family's survival, but also act as a stimulus to the local economy when spent by recipients at local retail outlets.
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program funds the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for the provision of monthly cash benefits to eligible families.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this part.
PART II.
SECTION 4. The legislature finds that a state's economy depends upon its human capital. Having a self-sufficient, dependable, and strong workforce is imperative to a robust economy. Programs that train individuals for jobs, help with job-search activities, and encourage financial self-sufficiency result in a better-developed workforce and less strain on support services and benefit programs.
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program funds the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for employment training programs other services that enable families receiving benefits to become self-sufficient.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this part.
PART III.
SECTION 6. The legislature finds that Hawaii has the twelfth highest teenage pregnancy rate in the nation. Young women who become pregnant before the age of eighteen have a higher risk of poverty, dropping out of high school, and experiencing preterm births. The department of human services contracted with The Lewin Group to determine the effectiveness of teenage pregnancy education programs provided under temporary assistance to needy families grants. The report found a positive impact on program participants, and the State's general trend is a decrease in teenage pregnancy rates.
The legislature finds that it is necessary for the wellbeing of Hawaii's youth to educate them about the effects of teenage pregnancy and the importance of educated decision-making through programs funded by temporary assistance for needy families.
SECTION 7. There is appropriated out of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program funds the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for teenage pregnancy education programs.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this part.
PART IV.
SECTION 8. The legislature finds that it is important for a family's emotional and economic stability to maintain the family unit. This can be achieved when families are self-sufficient, stable, and educated.
SECTION 9. There is appropriated out of the federal temporary assistance for needy families program funds the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2009-2010 for employment training programs other services that enable families receiving benefits to remain intact.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this part.
PART V.
SECTION 10. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2009.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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