Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2002

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Health and Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 2139 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to increase the number of child care subsidies given through the Preschools Open Doors Program, to pay administrative expenses, and to provide parent workshops to recipients of child care subsidies in each county.

Testimony in support of this measure was received from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Department of Human Services, Blueprint for Change, and Good Beginnings Alliance.

Your Committee finds that improving the educational abilities of Hawaii's children is a paramount goal of the Legislature. The preschool experience has long-term benefits on a child's ability to learn and achieve. The Preschools Open Doors Program increases the ability of parents, especially low-income families, to place their child in childcare and programs that enhance and enrich the minds of children. Your Committee finds that this measure provides an important investment toward developing the minds of Hawaii's children.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Health and Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2139 and recommends that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.