Report Title:

Early Childhood Care; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funding for early childhood care programs.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2855

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO early childhood care.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that neurological science has established that a child's cognitive and behavioral potential are largely determined between birth and age five. Unfortunately, poor health, family dysfunction, and troubled communities adversely impact a child's development. However, care to children and families can ameliorate some of these difficulties when provided in a coordinated, culturally competent manner. The legislature further finds that school readiness is improved by comprehensive health, family support, and early education services. Nevertheless, the current system of care is not reaching many of Hawaii's most fragile and needy children.

The legislature further finds that cost-effective programs providing these services need to be supported on a more permanent, institutionalized basis. State funding would also be invaluable in leveraging investment from other sources, such as charitable foundations, non-profit organizations, and federal agencies.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funding for community-based, collaborative, comprehensive early childhood care direct services for children under age five and their families, provided that any such funding not be used for planning, studies, or any other strategic functions.

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 2004-2005, for community-based, collaborative, comprehensive early childhood care direct services for children under age five and their families, provided that any such funding not be used for planning, studies, or any other strategic functions.

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, 2004.

INTRODUCED BY:

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