Hawaii Senate Bill SCR115

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Provide And Publish Information Related To Federal Impact Aid.

Impact

As noted in the resolution, the federal impact aid reimbursement for fiscal year 2019 was reported at only 12.91 percent of what it costs to educate military students, translating to a substantial deficit in funding. The resolution estimates that the DoD owes Hawaii approximately $170.7 million to $217.2 million for that fiscal year alone. By not receiving adequate federal financial support, Hawaii residents bear an unfair burden, effectively subsidizing the education of military families who do not fully contribute to state revenues through income or excise taxes.

Summary

SCR115, a Senate Concurrent Resolution from the Thirty-first Legislature of Hawaii, urges the Department of Education to provide and publish information regarding federal impact aid. This resolution highlights the ongoing issue of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) not fulfilling its financial responsibilities toward Hawaii's public schools, particularly concerning the education of military students attending schools in the state. The bill points out that the DoD's funding to offset the costs associated with educating these students, who may not contribute to state taxes due to their non-taxable military status, has been significantly inadequate.

Conclusion

By enforcing such reporting practices, SCR115 aims to ensure that Hawaii's public education system is properly supported, particularly in light of the unique challenges posed by the presence of military installations and personnel in the state. The resolution thereby highlights broader questions concerning federal aid, the financial obligations of the DoD, and the sustainability of Hawaii's education funding moving forward.

Contention

One of the primary contentions surrounding SCR115 stems from the perceived lack of accountability on the part of the DoD regarding its financial obligations. The resolution advocates for an annual report from the Department of Education, which would provide transparency and hold the DoD accountable for these funds. Such reporting is intended to include detailed calculations of the reimbursement owed and the number of military students utilizing the public education system. This push for transparency suggests a need for more robust financial arrangements between the state and federal government regarding education funding.