Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Human Services, to which was referred S.B. No. 1208 entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish the At-Home Infant Child Care Program.

Testimony in support of this measure was submitted by the Good Beginnings Alliance, Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children, and PATCH. Testimony in opposition to this measure was submitted by the Department of Human Services.

Your Committee finds that numerous studies document a shortage of infant child care nationwide and in Hawaii. It is increasingly more difficult for low-income parents to attain affordable child care that meets basic needs and safety standards. Furthermore, the cost of quality child care is steadily increasing, making it more difficult for low-income families to afford infant care. Early childhood is a critical time for parent and child to develop bonds and establish learning patterns. Thus, your Committee believes that the At-Home Infant Child Care Program is an investment in the well-being of Hawaii's keiki.

Your Committee amended this measure by eliminating language that would limit a family's access to this program because of caring for any other children in the family, time in the program, or maximum assistance received.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Human Services that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1208, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1208, S.D. 1, and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.