Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services and Housing, to which was referred H.B. No. 1568 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to allow the Department of Human Services (DHS) to retain and carryover unexpended funds from the general assistance block grant appropriation for future benefits and services for individuals receiving general assistance.

DHS and the Kokua Council testified in support of this bill. The Department of Budget and Finance opposed this bill.

Your Committee finds that authorizing DHS to carry over unexpended funds in each year would significantly simplify the administration of the General Assistance Program and provide more stability for individuals requiring assistance by reducing the need to adjust monthly benefit payments.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services and Housing that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1568 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Finance.