Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2003

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 129, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this bill is to enable more welfare recipients to attain economic self-sufficiency through post-secondary education by:

The Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women, National Association of Social Workers, Welfare and Employment Rights Coalition, Kokua Council, Community Alliance on Prisons, and nine individuals testified in support of this measure. The University of Hawaii and the Department of Human Services supported the intent of this bill.

BTH enables eligible recipients to receive public welfare benefits while they seek higher education in the University of Hawaii system. BTH also provides funding for campus jobs for participants. Since its inception two years ago, BTH has employed over 200 students. However, due to the lack of funding, there is a waiting list of 100 additional students.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 129, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance.