HONOLULU — The state House of Representatives is poised to pass a state budget that includes slightly less spending than what was requested by the governor, who had warned that there was no extra money for increases to programs in
HONOLULU — The state House of Representatives is poised to pass a state budget that includes slightly less spending than what was requested by the governor, who had warned that there was no extra money for increases to programs in the upcoming two years.
The House Committee on Finance combed through the budget and recommended $12.7 billion in spending for fiscal year 2016, which begins July 1, and $13.1 billion in 2017.
The full House plans to vote on the proposed budget this week, facing a deadline to get it to the Senate on Wednesday.
Under the current proposal, the Department of Human Services, which includes the state’s Public Housing Authority and many social services programs, will get $2.6 million to maintain the current level of general assistance payments to people who are physically and mentally disabled and unable to work. But the department’s caseload has been increasing, and representatives from the department had warned that the current funding level is insufficient to meet the growing needs of clients supported by general assistance payments of about $348 per month.
The budget for repairs to public housing was reduced to $5 million in the governor’s budget request, which is far below the amount needed to deal with a backlog of repairs the housing system needs. The current backlog of repairs is estimated to cost more than $800 million over the next 10 years, according to the authority.
“We hope that the final budget number will be substantially higher because the impact of this low level of funding would essentially mean a shutdown of our construction branch, which provides the repair and upkeep of our public housing units,” said Hakim Ouansafi, executive director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, in an email.
Other ways the state plans to spend the money:
ASK FOR MORE — The state could go after more federal money, but it doesn’t necessarily have the manpower to do that right now. The proposed budget includes $400,000 to create the Office of Grant Maximization to pursue federal grants. House Finance Committee Chairwoman Sylvia Luke said the money is a small investment to make if it can bring in substantial funds.
UNIVERSITY AUTONOMY — The panel recommended allowing the University of Hawaii Board of Regents to decide how to dole out the $369 million it will receive from the state. The Legislature plans to work closely with the university to see if the drastic change will provide a more effective approach, Luke said in a statement.
HOSPITAL HELP — The Hawaii State Hospital will get $2.9 million to deal with budget shortfalls caused by high patient counts.
BUMPY ROADS — The Department of Transportation will get $70.9 million in both 2016 and 2017 for highway repairs and maintenance statewide.
