HI HB938

Makes an emergency appropriation from general revenues for fiscal year 2014-2015 to address a budget shortfall in the General Assistance Program under the Department of Human Services.

General Assistance program operates as a block grant where maximum monthly payments are determined by dividing total appropriation by number of recipients; appropriated funds will be depleted before end of fiscal year.

Current maximum general assistance payment of $348 per month to approximately 5,752 disabled recipients is based on 37.1% of the 2006 federal poverty level and is critical for individuals with no other viable means of support.

Without additional emergency funding, the department will be unable to maintain current payment levels in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014-2015, posing a threat to recipients' health and safety.

Act takes effect upon the governor's approval and is recommended for immediate passage as an emergency measure under the Hawaii Constitution.