Appropriates funds for the general assistance payments program of the benefit, employment, and support services division.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The benefit, employment, and support services division of the department of human services helps families achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence and fosters parental responsibility. In particular, the benefit, employment, and support services division provides a monthly benefit to disabled adults without minor children who are temporarily unable to work due to disability or pending a social security eligibility determination. The amount budgeted for this program for fiscal year 2007 was based on the projection that the division's caseload would continue to decrease at the same rate as in prior years but a budget shortfall is expected due to a slighter decline in caseload than anticipated. The division will have to decrease the general assistance payments from $418 per month, unless additional funds are appropriated for the program.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the general assistance payments for adults who are temporarily unable to work.

SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $          , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2006-2007, to increase the amount of monthly benefits for adults who are temporarily unable to work due to disability or pending social security eligibility to $          .

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of human services for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2006.