THE SENATE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

THE TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE

INTERIM OF 2009

COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Chair

Senator Les Ihara, Jr., Vice Chair

Sen. Josh Green, M.D.

Sen. Fred Hemmings

COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

Rep. John M. Mizuno, Chair

Rep. Tom Brower, Vice Chair

Rep. Della Au Belatti	Rep. Maile S.L. Shimabukuro
Rep. Joe Bertram, III	Rep. Ryan I. Yamane
Rep. Mele Carroll	Rep. Gene Ward
Rep. Scott Y. Nishimoto

NOTICE OF INFORMATIONAL BRIEFING

DATE:	Thursday,  November 5, 2009
TIME:	9:00am  to 10:30am
PLACE:	Conference Room 329 State Capitol 415 South Beretania Street

A G E N D A

This informational briefing will be to discuss the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Topics to be discussed include –

1.  Telephone interviewing - Hawaii was granted a waiver of the face-to-face interview and effective August 1, 2009 can and will conduct all SNAP initial and recertification interviews by telephone.  Telephone interviewing training is currently being conducted statewide.

2.  Expanded Categorical Eligibility - Households where all members are receiving benefits from a means-tested cash assistance program are categorically eligible for SNAP.  States have the option of expanding this designation to non-cash households by providing all SNAP applicants with a TANF funded service (which can be as little as an informational brochure paid by TANF).  The household's gross income must not exceed 200% FPL.  Categorical eligibility also eliminates the requirement for asset valuation and the application of the resource test.

3.  Transitional Benefits Alternative (TBA) - Allows states to help support families as they move off TANF cash assistance by providing continued SNAP benefits for up to 5 months in an amount equal to the amount received by the household prior to TANF termination with adjustments for loss of TANF income.

No public testimony will be accepted.

If you require special assistance or auxiliary aids and/or services to participate in the informational briefing  (i.e., sign language interpreter or wheelchair accessibility), please contact the Committee Clerk at 586-6130 to make a request for arrangements at least 24 hours prior to the briefing.  Prompt requests help to ensure the availability of qualified individuals and appropriate accommodations.

For further information, please call the Committee Clerk at 586-6130.

________________________________________ Rep. John M. Mizuno Chair

________________________________________ Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland Chair