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. 944 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to create a welfare safety net program called "Keeping Hope Alive" that will utilize a system of vouchers to assist children whose families will cease to receive public assistance with housing, child care, clothing, and school supplies.

The National Association of Social Workers, Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, and a concerned citizen testified in support of this measure.

The Department of Human Services submitted testimony in opposition.

Your Committee finds that there are children whose families will be losing welfare benefits who may be severely impacted. Further, your Committee feels that these children should not suffer the consequences of their family's financial circumstances.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

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. 944, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 944, H.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Finance.