Appropriates $27,500,000 for computers in public schools (HB179 HD1).

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that many of Hawaii's public schools lack sufficient computers for its students. Furthermore, many of the computers in the public schools are outdated and inaccessible to students wishing to use them.

The legislature believes that for students to learn effectively, students must have access to educational technologies such as computers. These educational opportunities are critical for Hawaii's students to obtain jobs in the new economy, in industries such as biotechnology, health care, information technology, environmental science and technology, and telecommunications.

The legislature is committed to providing these opportunities for our keiki by lowering the computer ratio from six students per computer to four students per computer. The legislature is also committed to providing funds for the department of education to upgrade the electrical infrastructure of school facilities to accommodate these new educational tools. The legislature is confident that the new computers will further broaden the horizons of our young people, preparing them more fully to be local and global leaders in the information century.

Due to the fact appropriations are allowed out of the emergency budget and reserve fund to maintain levels of programs determined to be essential to the public welfare, and the maintenance of a quality education for our State's youth is most undoubtedly in this interest, the legislature finds that the emergency and budget reserve fund is an appropriate source from which to draw resources for Hawaii's schools and students.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for computers in public schools.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the emergency and budget reserve fund of the State of Hawaii the sum of $27,500,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2001-2002 for computers in the public schools.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of education for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2001.